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Coming Soon to Blu-ray: 'Flatliners,' 'Jungle,' and More[teaser]New flicks starring Ellen Page, Daniel Radcliffe, Antonio Banderas, and more are all coming to Blu-ray.[/teaser] New info has been revealed for several upcoming Blu-ray releases from Shout Factory, Lionsgate, Universal, Sony, HBO, Grasshopper Film, Cult Epics, Screen Media, and MVD Rewind Collection. Here's a full rundown of recently revealed details and title announcements: First up, Grasshopper Film is set to release Pedro Costa's Casa de Lava starring Inês de Medeiros, Isaach De Bankolé, and Edith Scobon on November 14. The disc will feature a new 2K restoration and supplements will include: - Casa de Lava scrapbook - pages from Pedro Costa s notebook, featuring images and texts gathered during production, and set to original music (24 minutes, 2012)- Interview with cinematographer Emmanuel Machuel- Theatrical Trailer- Illustrated booklet featuring essays by film scholars Darlene J. Sadlier and Jonathan Rosenbaum In addition, the label will release Jean Marie Straub and Danielle Huillet's Moses and Aaron starring Günter Reich and Louis Devos on November 28. The disc will feature a new 2K restoration and supplements will include: - Introduction to Arnold Schoenberg's "Accompaninment to a Cinematographic Scene - a fierce condemnation of anti-Semitism and the barbaric war machine of capitalism, inspired by a letter written in 1923 by composer Arnold Schoenberg to painter Wassily Kandinsky. (15 min, 1972)- Machorka-Muff - a powerful, almost surreal distillation of a story by Heinrich Böll, Straub-Huillet's debut work concerns a former Nazi colonel who takes advantage of his political and sexual status in post-war Germany. (18 min, 1962)- Not Reconciled - Straub-Huillet's heralded feature debut charts the origins and legacy of Nazism, as well as the moral demands of obedience and sacrifice within the German bourgeois family, in this vigorous adaptation of Heinrich Böll's novel. (55 min, 1964)- Booklet - illustrated booklet with essay by Ted Fendt, editor of "Jean-Marie Straub & Danièle Huillet" (Austrian Film Museum/FilmmuseumSynemaPublikationen, 2016) Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Lionsgate has announced plans to release Eric Summer and Éric Warin's Leap! starring Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, and Carly Rae Jepsen on November 21. Supplements will include: - "In the Recording Booth with Kate McKinnon, Nat Wolff, and Maddie Ziegler" Featurette- Behind-the-Scenes Video Gallery In addition, the studio is prepping Isaac Florentine's Acts of Vengeance starring Antonio Banderas, Cristina Serafini, and Atanas Srebrev for Blu-ray on November 28. No other details have been announced at this time. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray As previously reported, Sony is bringing Greg McLean's Jungle starring Daniel Radcliffe, Thomas Kretschmann, Alex Russell, Lily Sullivan, and Yasmin Kassim to Blu-ray on November 21, and newly announced supplements will include: - Becoming Yossi - Featurette- The Making of Jungle- Cast and Crew Interviews In addition, the studio is prepping Flatliners (2017) starring Ellen Page, Diego Luna, and Nina Dobrev for Blu-ray. Supplements and an exact release date have not been announced yet, but pre-orders are now live. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Cult Epics is set to release Giulio Questi's Death Laid an Egg starring Gina Lollobrigida, Jean-Louis Trintignant, and Ewa Aulin on November 28. The disc will feature: - Original Theatrical Trailer- Lobby Cards Photo Gallery- Isolated Score by Bruna Maderna Order the Blu-ray Universal is preparing Allen Hughes' docu-series The Defiant Ones for Blu-ray on November 28. Supplements have not been detailed yet. Order the Blu-ray Shout Factory is set to release Colin Hanks' Eagles Of Death Metal: Nos Amis Our Friends starring Jesse Hughes, Josh Homme, and Dave Catching on December 1. No other details have been announced at this time. In addition, the label will release Richard Compton's Macon County Line starring Alan Vint, Cheryl Waters, and Max Baer Jr. on January 16. No other details have been announced at this time. Likewise, Joel Silberg's Rappin' starring Mario Van Peebles, Eriq La Salle, and Melvin Plowden is set to arrive on January 23. Supplements have not been revealed yet. Meanwhile, Ian Curteis and John Croydon's The Projected Man starring Mary Peach, Bryant Haliday, and Norman Wooland will be available on January 30. Full details have not been announced yet, but the disc will feature a new 2K remaster. Order the Blu-ray HBO is prepping a Game of Thrones: The Complete Seasons 1-7 package starring Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, and Kit Harington for Blu-ray on December 12. Supplements will likely mirror those found on all of the previously released single season packages. Order the Blu-ray Screen Media is bringing Victor Salva's Jeepers Creepers 3 starring Gina Philips, Jonathan Breck, and Meg Foster to Blu-ray on December 26. Supplements have not been announced yet. Order the Blu-ray MVD Rewind Collection will release John De Bello's Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! on January 23. The package will feature: - NEW 4K RESTORATION of the film- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentation of film- Audio commentary from writer/director John DeBello, writer/co-star Steve Peace and "creator" Costa Dillon- Deleted scenes (SD)- Original theatrical trailer (SD)- Radio spots- Collectible poster- "Do They Accept Traveler's Checks in Babusuland" (the original 8mm short that inspired Attack of the Killer Tomatoes) (with optional audio commentary) (SD)- "Legacy of a Legend" (14:13, SD) is a collection of interviews, including comments from John DeBello, Costa Dillon, film critic Kevin Thomas, fans Kevin Sharp and Bruce Vilanch, future Tomatoes mainstay John Astin and actors Steve Peace, Jack Riley, and D.J. Sullivan- "Crash and Burn" (3:40, SD) is a discussion about the famous helicopter crash that could have killed everyone because the pilot was late on his cue- "Famous Foul" (2:21, SD) is about the San Diego Chicken and his role in the climatic tomato stomping ending- "Killer Tomatomania" (4:33, SD) is a smattering of interviews with random people on the streets of Hollywood about the movie- "Where Are They Now?" (2:51, SD) fills viewers in on what the cast and crew have been up to over the past couple of decades- "We Told You So!" (3:07, SD) takes a hard-hitting look at the conspiracy of silence surrounding the real-life horror of killer tomatoes Order the Blu-ray Finally, Flicker Alley has announced plans to release a 3-D Rarities II collection on Blu-ray in summer 2018. No other details have been announced at this time. You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule.Posted Fri Oct 6, 2017 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
VUDU, Google Play, and Amazon Lower their Prices for 4K Ultra HD Digital Titles[teaser]The streaming platforms have all reduced their 4K prices.[/teaser] VUDU, Google Play, and Amazon have all lowered prices for select 4K Ultra HD titles in their respective digital stores. The new pricing likely comes as a response to Apple's $20 price point for its new selection of 4K HDR titles in the iTunes store. As part of the adjustment, select Warner Bros. and Universal VUDU Ultra HD titles with Dolby Vision HDR are no available for $15 - $20, with some movies even on sale for as little as $10. Popular $15 titles include movies like Mad Max: Fury Road, Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow, Suicide Squad, and Batman v Superman. In addition, most UHD VUDU rentals now range between $4 and $8. Click here to see the discounted titles! 4K Dolby Vision VUDU playback is currently available on select displays, including 2017 LG OLED models and VIZIO M and P Series displays. Meanwhile, though the majority of Google Play's 4K selection remains around the $30 price range, there are a few $20 UHD titles on sale now as well, including new releases like Spider-Man Homecoming and Baby Driver. Likewise, Amazon has reportedly followed suit too, dropping many of its own 4K digital titles to $20, along with some UHD movies even as low as $5. For its part, Apple recently launched its own selection of 4K HDR titles in the iTunes store, with many priced at $20. In addition, the service will even offer automatic 4K HDR upgrades for HD titles already in a user's existing iTunes library when they become available free of charge. 4K iTunes playback is currently supported via the new Apple TV 4K (full review here). Sources: VUDU, Engadget, ForbesPosted Fri Oct 6, 2017 at 06:30 AM PDT by: -
'Jumanji' 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray & Remastered Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The family film starring Robin Williams will hit 4K in December.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is prepping Jumanji for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on December 5. In addition, the 4K restoration will also serve as the basis for a new Blu-ray edition available that same day. Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst and Bonnie Hunt star in this phenomenal adaptation of the award-winning children’s book. When young Alan Parrish discovers a mysterious board game, he doesn’t realize its unimaginable powers, until he is magically transported before the startled eyes of his friend, Sarah, into the untamed jungles of Jumanji! There he remains for 26 years until he is freed from the game’s spell by two unsuspecting children. Now a grown man, Alan (Williams) reunites with Sarah (Hunt) and together with Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and Peter (Bradley Pierce) tries to outwit the game’s powerful forces in this imaginative adventure that combines breathtaking special effects with an enchanting mixture of comedy, magic and thrills. The Ultra HD Blu-ray will feature 2160p video with HDR and a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Supplements will include: - Sneak peek of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle- Never-before-seen Deleted Scenes- Hilarious Gag Reel featuring Robin Williams and the cast- Animated storybook excerpts from Jumanji (the book), narrated by author Chris Van Allsburg- Two episodes of the 1996 “Jumanji: The Animated Series” TV show- Special Effects Crew Commentary- Making-of Documentary- Production Design Documentary- SFX Featurette- Storyboard Comparisons- Original Theatrical Trailer Suggested retail price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is $30.99. You can find the latest specs for Jumanji linked from our Blu-ray and 4K Release Schedules, where it is indexed under December 5. Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Fri Oct 6, 2017 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Home Theater 101Keeping track of the latest audio and video tech can be daunting. Thankfully, High-Def Digest has you covered. [teaser]Welcome to our Home Theater 101 series, where we explain emerging technologies, AV formats, digital streaming platforms, and more.[/teaser] This page is designed to act as a central hub for all of our Home Theater 101 articles. If you don't know the difference between Dolby Vision and HDR10+, or DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, click on the guides below for full in-depth breakdowns on each subject. Cheers & thanks so very much for reading! Everything We Know About 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray This was our original explanation of the new 4K format, written six months before its debut! Is 4K a Scam? Inspired by a reader's question on Facebook, we explore the history as well as the benefits and pitfalls of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and streaming content. What is Dolby Atmos? Over the last few years, Dolby Atmos has taken the surround sound experience to the next level through addition of overhead audio. But just what exactly is Dolby Atmos and how does it work? And what do A/V enthusiasts mean when they throw around terms like object-based mixing and up-firing drivers? This guide is here to breakdown the ins and outs of the format. What is DTS:X? Like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X takes the surround sound experience to the next level through the use of overhead audio and object-based mixing. But while both formats are very similar, are there any notable differences? And what products support the tech? This guide covers all the basics of DTS:X technology and gear. Up-mixed: Dolby Surround v DTS:Neural:X Though the differences between native Dolby Atmos and DTS:X tech might not be appreciable, both company's now offer their own new immersive audio up-mixing solutions as well. Designed to add height effects to traditional surround sound mixes, Dolby Surround, and DTS:Neural:X both aim to deliver similar experiences -- but is there a clear winner between the two? What is HDR? High Dynamic Range is the biggest display advancement in years, offering enhanced contrast and colors. But how does the process really work? And what's the deal with all of the competing formats? From nits to color gamuts, this guide is here to explain what HDR is and how it's used to improve the 4K TV experience. What is Dolby Vision? With the basics of HDR out of the way, this section dives deep into the intricacies of Dolby's own proprietary high dynamic range format, addressing what makes the Dolby Vision process unique. If you don't know the difference between static metadata and dynamic metadata, this is the guide for you. What is HDR10+? As an emerging royalty-free dynamic metadata high dynamic range format, HDR10+ offers similar features as Dolby Vision. But just what are the differences between the two, and what gear and content currently support the format? This guide is here to highlight all the ins and outs of the industry's newest HDR solution. HDR Sucks: The Challenges & Frustrations of HDR10 Are all HDR formats created equally? Pitting HDR10 against Dolby Vision, this article examines the drawbacks and limitations of static metadata solutions versus dynamic metadata tech. Everything on Netflix with Dolby Vision, HDR, and/or Dolby Atmos As 4K HDR TV and immersive audio adoption continues to grow, more and more content providers have begun to embrace Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos content. And when it comes to streaming services, few digital platforms offer a library as robust as Netflix. This list highlights all of the titles currently available on the service with Dolby Vision, HDR, and/or Dolby Atmos support. Everything on Amazon Prime Video with HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and/or Dolby Atmos Though not quite as large as Netflix's library, Amazon also offers a growing collection of HDR and Atmos titles. Likewise, it's the only platform currently offering support for the new HDR10+ format. With that in mind, this list highlights all of the titles available on the service with HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and/or Dolby Atmos support. Best 4K Streaming Services More and more streaming platforms are adding support for 4K playback, but selections, compatibility, and pricing vary quite a bit from service to service. To help size up the current crop of digital providers, this list covers the key pros and cons of each competing platform, allowing readers to decide which service is the best for them. When 4K Is Not 4K So you've got a fancy new 4K TV and an Ultra HD Blu-ray player with plenty of discs -- but are the movies you're watching actually in 4K? Well, it turns out more often than not, the answer is... no. While 4K production and mastering are becoming more popular, the majority of modern movies are still either photographed digitally at 2K or have a 2K Digital Intermediate. This article lists some examples and elaborates on why resoltuion isn't everything when it comes to the benefits of the Ultra HD format. What is LCD? Though OLED displays offer some key benefits, the most common and popular panel type in the Ultra HD TV market remains LCD. But just what exactly is an LCD TV? And what's the distinction between the tech's varying panel types and LED backlight options? If you don't know the difference between edge-lit LED panels and full-array local dimming panels, this guide is here to cover all the basics of LCD TVs. What is VR? While virtual reality in some form or another has been around for decades, the format has recently seen a major revival and performance overhaul as display and computing technologies have advanced -- providing a new level of immersion. But just what exactly is VR? And which headset is right for you? If you don't know the difference between an Oculus Rift and a Daydream View, this guide is here to breakdown the ins and outs of Virtual Reality.Posted Thu Oct 5, 2017 at 02:19 PM PDT by: -
Optoma Launches UHZ65 4K UHD Projector & HD39Darbee 1080p Projector[teaser]New HD and 4K projectors are now available.[/teaser] Optoma has announced the release of its latest projector models. The newly launched products include the UHZ65 4K UHD projector and the HD39Darbee 1080p projector. "The Optoma UHZ65 is the culmination of years of design iterations, engineering and testing to bring the highest quality home cinema projector to market for a price that consumers can afford," said Brian Soto, head of product management, Optoma Technology. "With 4K content now readily available, and entertainment options always expanding, we are delivering on our goal to provide an entertainment experience that can truly envelop a room and an audience at home." The UHZ65 uses a powerful laser phosphor light engine and offers a resolution of 3840x2160 with 8.3 million pixels via XPR video processing technology with fast switching. In addition, the projector is rated for about 3,000 lumens and a 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio with Dynamic Black enabled. Likewise, the unit supports high dynamic range with HDR10 capabilities, along with wide color gamut support. HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 is integrated as well, and the device features vertical lens shift and a 1.6x optical zoom. Optoma's UHZ65 4K Laser projector is now available for an estimated street price of $4,499 from stores like ProjectorPeople.com, ProjectorScreen, ProjectorSuperstore, Full Compass, and Visual Apex. Meanwhile, the HD39Darbee offers 1080p projection, 3D support, and integrated DarbeeVision image enhancement, which uses neuro-biologic algorithms to provide improved detail, depth, and object separation. In addition, the unit features 3,500 lumens of brightness, a 32,000:1 contrast ratio, and a REC.709 color mode. 17 percent vertical lens shift and a 1.6x optical zoom are offered as well, and the device is rated for 15,000 hours of lamp life. "The H39Darbee produces an incredibly sharp and bright image, providing an immersive home theater experience, even in environments with ambient light," said Brian Soto, head of product management, Optoma Technology. "By integrating innovative solutions such as DarbeeVision technology into our products, Optoma continues to demonstrate that projectors provide the highest quality and most flexible home theater experiences for consumers." According to Optoma's press release, the H39Darbee 1080p projector is now available for an estimated street price of $899, but Amazon's current listing carries a more expensive $1,799 price tag. Sources: Optoma 1, Optoma 2 via PR NewswirePosted Thu Oct 5, 2017 at 12:50 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Announces Price Increase for HD and 4K Ultra HD Subscription Plans[teaser]Users who want to stream HD or 4K content will need to pay a few dollars more.[/teaser] As reported by Variety, Netflix has announced a price increase for its Standard HD Plan and its Premium 4K Ultra HD Plan. The Standard Plan was previously set at $10 per month but has now been raised to $11 per month. Meanwhile, the Premium Plan was previously set at $12 per month but has now be raised to $14 per month. The company last raised its Standard Plan price back in October 2015. The updated pricing is now in effect for new subscribers. In addition, the price increase will be rolled out to current subscribers over the next few months. Netflix will begin contacting current customers about the change on October 19, offering at least 30 days advanced notice tied to a user's specific billing cycle before making the switch. Meanwhile, the company's Basic SD Plan will remain unchanged at $8 per month. The price increase comes as Netflix continues to invest more money in programming, with plans to spend $6 billion in content this year. "From time to time, Netflix plans and pricing are adjusted as we add more exclusive TV shows and movies, introduce new product features and improve the overall Netflix experience to help members find something great to watch even faster," the company said in a statement. The $11 Standard Plan offers access to HD playback on up to two screens at the same time. The $14 Premium plan offers HD and 4K Ultra HD playback on up to four screens at the same time, along with support for HDR (high dynamic range) and Dolby Vision content on compatible displays. Finally, the Basic Plan simply offers SD playback on one screen. New users will receive their first month free and subscribers can cancel at any time. Source: VarietyPosted Thu Oct 5, 2017 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
'Despicable Me 3' Dated & Detailed for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and Blu-ray[teaser]The animated comedy will conquer Blu-ray in December.[/teaser] As previously reported, Universal is preparing to release Despicable Me 3 on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, and Blu-ray 3D -- and now the release date has been set for December 5. In addition, a Despicable Me 3-Movie Blu-ray Collection will also be available that same day. ILLUMINATION, who brought audiences the worldwide blockbusters Despicable Me, Despicable Me 2 and Minions, continues the adventures of Gru, Lucy, their adorable daughters — Margo, Edith and Agnes — and the Minions. Joining Steve Carell and Kristen Wiig in Despicable Me 3 is Trey Parker as Balthazar Bratt, a former child star who's grown up to become obsessed with the character he played in the '80s, and proves to be Gru's most formidable nemesis to date. The Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D will feature 1080p video, and the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray will feature 2160p video with Dolby Vision and HDR10. All three releases will feature DTS:X soundtracks. Supplements will include: - All-New Mini Movie - Minion Moments - Deleted Scene - Character Profiles - The Making of Despicable Me 3 - Developing Dru - The AVL Files- Freedonia Visitors Guide - Despicable Me TV - “Doowit” Sing-Along- “Yellow Light” Music Video - Minion Mugshots - Wanted Posters You can find the latest specs for Despicable Me 3 linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 5. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-ray Order the 3-Movie Blu-rayPosted Thu Oct 5, 2017 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Google Details New Pixel 2 Smartphones, Pixel Buds, Home Speakers, and Daydream View[teaser]The company has revealed its new lineup of gadgets.[/teaser] Google has announced the latest additions to its tech product line. The collection includes the Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel Buds, Google Home Mini, Google Home Max, and an updated Daydream View Headset. The new Pixel 2 features a 5-inch 16:9 AMOLED display with an FHD resolution of 1920 x 1080, 441ppi, 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 95% DCI-P3 coverage, and a 100000:1 super contrast ratio. Meanwhile, the Pixel 2 XL features a 6-inch pOLED 18:9 display with a QHD+ resolution of 2880 x 1440, 538ppi, 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and a 100000:1 super contrast ratio. Under the hood, both models use Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 2.35Ghz + 1.9Ghz, 64Bit Octa-Core processors, along with 4GB LPDDR4x RAM running Android 8.0. A 12.2MP rear camera with 4K video recording and an 8MP front camera are integrated as well. The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2XL are now available for pre-order with prices starting at $649 in the U.S. In addition, the company has revealed its new Pixel Buds. The wireless headphones feature a unique fabric loop and touchpad control on the right earbud. For charging, the Buds can be stored in a pocket-sized charging case for up to 24 hours of listening time. The headphones include Google Assistant support as well, allowing users to touch and hold the right earbud to ask for music, make phone calls, get directions, and more through voice commands. Likewise, Google Translate support is also integrated, enabling real time translations for 40 languages. The Google Pixel Buds are available to pre-order now for $159 in the US with Just Black, Clearly White, and Kinda Blue color options. Google has also announced two new additions to its Google Home lineup. The Google Home Mini is a compact smart speaker with a fabric enclosure, 360-degree sound, and far-field microphones, offering support for Google Assistant voice control. Meanwhile, the Google Home Max will be the company's largest smart speaker model, offering premium sound and Google Assistant. The device features dual 4.5-inch high-excursion woofers, and is about 20 times more powerful than the original Google Home. Likewise, the speaker is the first model to offer Smart Sound tech powered by Google's artificial intelligence, allowing the Max to adapt its sound output to suit a user's environment, context of use, and preferences. Google Home Mini is now available for pre-order for $49 with an expected release date of October 19. Google Home Max will be available to pre-order starting November 13 for $399 and comes with 12 months of ad-free YouTube Music (subject to these terms). Finally, the company has unveiled an updated version of its Daydream View VR Headset as well. The upgraded model features new high-performance lenses for better image clarity and a wider field of view, along with a premium two-tone fabric to make the headset soft and light. The new Daydream View headset will cost $99 and will be available in Fog, Charcoal and Coral color options. Source: GooglePosted Wed Oct 4, 2017 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Movie Pass Real World ReviewHi, Everyone, please welcome guest writer Josh LeBlanc, who has been helping us out on a couple of our other sites and decided to check out Movie Pass for HDD. Cheers! PROS -$9.95 a month. -Can see a movie every day of the week. -Available to use at over 4,000 theaters. CONS -Doesn’t work for Imax or 3D Movies. -Have to be physical at the theater. -Probably too confusing for your Mom (God love her) INTRO Movie Pass -- the any movie, any theater, any day, service for $9.95 -- isn’t new. It’s actually been around for a few years. Before July of 2017 however, about forty thousands Movie Pass customers paid almost fifty dollars a month for the right to go to a standard non-imax or 3d movie, in the theater… every day. But then they did something radical. They changed their price to $9.95. Something that sent the country into a tizzy. Analysts said the price was unsustainable and that the company would go bankrupt. HOW MOVIE PASS WORKS When you buy a ticket with your Movie Pass card, which is actually a Mastercard, Movie Pass then pay the theater the full price for the movie ticket. They’re promising to do that EVERY DAY for subscribers. So, if you live somewhere like Los Angeles, where tickets can go as high as $18 dollars for a non-3d movie. Double what you pay for a month of subscribing to movie pass. Hence the pundits saying it’s unsustainable. Who’s going to pay for all these tickets? It’s not like Netflix where you pay a flat fee to have access to a select library. With Movie Pass you’re paying $9.95 to have access to ANYTHING that’s in the theater (save for 3D & IMAX). Needless to say when they announced the price change, they were immediately bombarded by requests for the service, which pushed card delivery from a guaranteed five days up to 2-3 weeks, and some new subscribers weren't exactly thrilled. HOW TO SIGN UP FOR MOVIE PASS 1. Go to https://www.moviepass.com/ and enter credit card information and sign up. 2. Download the Movie Pass App for your iOS or Android device. 3. Wait to receive your Movie Pass Mastercard in the mail. 4. Physically go to the theater. 5. Once you’re within 100 yards of the theater, open the Movie Pass app on your smartphone, pick the movie and the time you want to see it at, and then click purchase. 6. The amount of that movie ticket is then loaded onto your Movie Pass Mastercard instantly. 7. Use the Movie Pass card to buy your ticket at either the automated kiosk or with a real live person. 8. Enjoy the movie. DOES IT REALLY WORK? The short answer… is an astounding YES! But there have been some frustrations. I ordered Movie Pass from the Movie Pass Website on August 24th, 2017 and was immediately charged $9.95. I then downloaded the iPhone app and waited for my Movie Pass Mastercard to arrive. …and waited. …and waited. …and waited. The company issued a release that said they were having delays due to high demand. Which I totally understand, a lot of people online didn’t and there was a lot of angry tweets and reddit posts like this: “I still haven’t received my card yet! I’m just gonna cancel it, this is joke!” Where did everyone’s patience go? Is it FOMO, are they afraid everyone is going to the movies without them? Are they mad they had to pay full price to see IT? I have not idea. Calm down people, they said it’s going to take a few weeks to catch up with the demand. That sounds reasonable to me. Finally on September 22nd, 2017 it arrived. This is over four weeks. Again, it’s really not that big of a deal. I waited to order one, it’s my fault, really. Keep in mind that, according to Movie Pass' website, even though they charge you right away for the service, your service doesn’t start until you activate your card. It’s October now and I still haven’t gotten changed a second month’s fee yet, so, so far they seem to be true to their word on that front. I don’t expect to be hit with another fee until sometime around October 25th. I then fired up the App and looked for a list of theaters near me that accepted Movie Pass. The Laemle in North Hollywood was on the list. I was so eager to go try this card out that I got there and only thing playing within an hour, was The LEGO Ninjago Movie. Did that deter me from trying it out? Heck no, it didn’t. I picked Ninjago on my phone, selected the time and it asked me for the last four digits of my Movie Pass card. I entered the and waited for 30 seconds. It looked like it kind of froze on me, so, I backed out and then clicked don the time again and got the “SUCCESS” screen. It’s a little finicky, but, it appeared to work. Next I went over to the box office, muttered “cough ninjago” under my breath, and handed over the Movie Pass card for the $12 dollar ticket… and it worked. I’ve used it a few more times in the past week and it’s worked every single time. Seriously. It was actually a mistake to give me one of these things as I’m gonna swipe it until they take it away from me. THE WORST BITS You have to be physically within 100 yards of the theater to buy the ticket. I know why they do it, they’d never make a profit if you could just select tickets from your phone and buy it. Why? For one people wouldn’t care if they didn’t go. They’d buy a ticket just to have one then if they had to cancel wouldn’t care because to them it would have been free. For two, it would get more use which would make it harder for the company to make a profit. I personally don’t mind the having to physically be at the theater, just know, you might have a hard time getting a ticket opening night in a big city to see a movie when you can't reserve a seat far in advance. The card doesn’t work in Imax or 3D screens. Why? because they would definitely go bankrupt. There’s no financial model that makes sense when the tickets are that expensive. Also, each time I’ve used it there seems to be a small hangup from when you select the purchase ticket time to the success screen coming up. I’m guessing what they’re really waiting on is the transfer of funds to your card. I bet you don’t get that “SUCCESS” message UNTIL funds have been deposited into your account. They probably don’t want to aggravate the ushers with people saying “Swipe it again, it’s in there.” forty times a night. Regarding the stories of people who only received a portion of the ticket price on their card, and had to pay the difference and then send a picture of the stub to Movie Pass to get a refund, I haven’t had any of those issues. You may have also read about AMC trying to block the use of Movie Pass. In fact, the only way they can do it is to block all Mastercards, which they’ve done in a few cities. This would be annoying to other people who don’t have Movie Pass and just want to use their regular old MasterCard. Having said that, it does currently work at AMC theaters in Los Angeles. Here’s another thing they won’t like. You can even get an AMC STUBS REWARD CARD and use it every time you go to the movies on Movie Pass and earn points towards free tickets and concessions. Churn those points guys, churn those points. I’m not sure why AMC doesn’t want Movie Pass used at their theaters, though internet rumors range from they want to start their own version of the product, to fear that it reduces the value people think they’re getting with a movie ticket. And, as someone who has to have a weekly phone call with their Grandfather to re-connect his HBO NOW subscription to his ROKU because he clicks “SIGN OUT” after every time he uses it, I can see using the Movie Pass App and card to be too much to process for anyone from a technology-challenged generation. Lastly, before Movie Pass dropped their current monthly fee to $9.95 they sold a 50% stake in their company to Helios and Matheson Analytics Inc., a company that will then sell yourmovie-goingg history back to the studios. If that bothers you and I can see why it might bother some, then maybe Movie Pass isn’t for you. Personally, I see everything, so, it really doesn’t matter to me as my data is kind of useless to them. FINAL THOUGHTS [Teaser]Despite highlighting a few headaches and pitfalls, for me the pros of being able to see as many 2D movies as I possibly can for only $9.95/month outweigh the cons by leaps and bounds.[/Teaser] Are there going to be some restrictions? Of course, it costs less than 4K Netflix, which makes me wonder if they'd change the service to include more pricing tiers. Say $30 a month to be able to see Imax or 3D movies and $50 a month to be able to buy tickets online for any date in the future. That’s where’d they’d really start to make money. People have a tendency to think they need something more than they actually do and are willing to overpay for the privilege. For me, though, I love it and the service comes Highly Recommended for anyone who sees more than one non-IMAX or 3D movie per month in the cinema. If you’re on the fence about trying Movie Pass, what do have to lose besides $9.95. Try it!Posted Wed Oct 4, 2017 at 10:13 AM PDT by: -
Christopher Nolan's 'Dunkirk' Announced for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray & Blu-ray[teaser]The acclaimed war drama is now available for pre-order![/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Bros. is prepping Dunkirk for 4K Ultra HD Bl-ray and Blu-ray on December 19. Dunkirk opens as hundreds of thousands of British and Allied troops are surrounded by enemy forces. Trapped on the beach with their backs to the sea they face an impossible situation as the enemy closes in. The story unfolds on land, sea and air. RAF Spitfires engage the enemy in the skies above the Channel, trying to protect the defenseless men below. Meanwhile, hundreds of small boats manned by both military and civilians are mounting a desperate rescue effort, risking their lives in a race against time to save even a fraction of their army. Starring Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, and Kenneth Branagh. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and the Ultra HD Blu-ray will feature 2160p video with HDR. Audio on both formats will be presented in DTS-HD Master Audio, although it is unclear if it will be 5.1 or 7.1. Bonus features include: Creation: Revisiting the MiracleCreation: DunkerqueCreation: Expanding the FrameCreation: The In-Camera ApproachLand: Rebuilding the MoleLand: The Army On the BeachLand: Uniform ApproachAir: Taking to the AirAir: Inside the CockpitSea: Assembling the Naval FleetSea: Launching the MoonstoneSea: Taking to the SeaSea: Sinking the ShipsSea: The Little ShipsConclusion: Turning Up the TensionConclusion: The Dunkirk Spirit Suggested retail price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is $44.95. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $35.99. You can find the latest specs for Dunkirk linked from our Blu-ray and 4K Release Schedules, where it is indexed under December 19. Order the 4K Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Oct 4, 2017 at 09:40 AM PDT by:
