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Edgar Wright's 'Baby Driver' Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Dated and Bonus Features Detailed (UPDATED)[teaser]The heist comedy is up for pre-order on both formats at Amazon. [/teaser] As previously reported, Sony is already preparing 'Baby Driver' for a Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray release later this year, and now the official date has been set for October 10. A talented, young getaway driver relies on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best in the game. But after being coerced into working for a crime boss, he must face the music when a doomed heist threatens his life, love and freedom. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Extended/Deleted Scenes – 20 minutes of extended scenes and a few moments that were dropped from the final cut. Mozart In A Go-Kart: Ansel Drives – Ride shotgun with star Ansel Elgort as he works with the talented stunt drivers to become the ultimate getaway driver. I Need A Killer Track: The Music – Explore how the film's phenomenal soundtrack dictated both the writing process and all aspects of production on Baby Driver. That's My Baby: Edgar Wright – Follow Edgar Wright's vision of Baby Driver from its inception two decades ago, to its ultimate realization on the big screen. Meet Your New Crew: Doc's Gang – Led by powerhouse Kevin Spacey, the cast assembled to form Doc's gang is perfectly constructed with stars like Jamie Foxx and Jon Hamm as well as up and coming talent like Eiza González and Jon Bernthal. Go behind the scenes to see this talented group at work as they bring these characters to life. Find Something Funky On There: The Choreography – With every frame of Baby Driver set to a specific beat it took precise choreography by the cast, crew and editors to create a cinematic dance like nothing that's been done before. Hear from the choreographer and filmmakers on this groundbreaking process. Devil Behind The Wheel: The Car Chases – From closing down Atlanta's interstates to creating eyepopping maneuvers for a variety of vehicles, witness the amazing craftsmanship and sheer determination that made the film's incredible car chases possible. Animatics – Check out over 35 minutes of the numerous pre-vis animatics developed by Edgar Wright as part of his meticulous preparation. Ansel Elgort Audition – See firsthand the audition that proved without a doubt that Ansel Elgort was the perfect choice for Baby. Annotated Coffee Run Rehearsal – Day one of production involved one of the film's most elaborately choreographed sequences where every movement is carefully crafted. Check out the preliminary rehearsal and see the behind the scenes movement in concert with Ansel Elgort's on camera choreography. Hair, Make Up & Costume Tests – In this stylized montage, witness the transformation of the actors through costume, hair and make-up tests. Mint Royale – "Blue Song" Music Video – This music video directed by Edgar years ago for the band Mint Royale showcases some early inspiration for Baby Driver. Complete Storyboard Gallery – See the elaborate storyboards developed for the film in this gallery featuring storyboards for the entire film. Director Commentary Filmmaker Commentary (Edgar Wright and Director of Photography Bill Pope) Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.99 and the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray is $45.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Baby Driver' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 10. Order the Blu-ray Order the UHD Blu-rayPosted Wed Jun 28, 2017 at 10:15 AM PDT by: -
LG Releases 77-Inch SIGNATURE OLED TV W for $20,000[teaser]The "wallpaper" OLED display is now available for purchase.[/teaser] LG has announced the release of its 77-Inch SIGNATURE OLED TV W (OLED77W7P) in the US. The premium Ultra HD TV carries an equally premium MSRP of $20,000. "The 77-inch LG SIGNATURE OLED TV W is truly a modern home masterpiece," said Rick Calacci, senior vice president, home entertainment sales, LG Electronics USA. "With LG's industry-leading OLED technology, Dolby Atmos sound and a razor-thin profile, the 77W7 beautifully combines cutting-edge technology with an unmatched design that is sure to be the focal point of any living room. And only LG offers picture-on-wall and picture-on-glass powered by OLED." The flagship OLED77W7P offers perfect blacks, infinite contrast, an expanded color gamut, Dolby Atmos sound, and wide viewing angles. Likewise, the set includes Active HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10, YouTube VP9, and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) support. In addition, the display features LG's Picture-on-Wall design with an amazingly thin (around one-fifth of an inch), semi-flexible screen that can attach to a customer's wall with magnets. Here's a full rundown of LG's 2017 OLED lineup: LG SIGNATURE OLED TV Picture-on-Wall W7 Series77-inch class (76.7-inches diagonal) model 77W7, $19,99965-inch class (64.5-inches diagonal) model 65W7, $7,999 LG SIGNATURE OLED TV Picture-on-Glass G7 Series77-inch class (76.8-inches diagonal) model 77G7, $14,99965-inch class (64.5-inches diagonal) model 65G7, $6,999 LG OLED TV Picture-on-Glass E7 Series65-inch class (64.5-inches diagonal) model 65E7, $5,499 55-inch class (54.6-inches diagonal) model 55E7, $3,999 LG OLED TV C7 Series65-inch class (64.5-inches diagonal) model 65C7, $4,499 55-inch class (54.6-inches diagonal) model 55C7, $2,999 LG OLED TV B7 Series65-inch class (64.5-inches diagonal) model 65B7, $4,499 55-inch class (54.6-inches diagonal) model 55B7, $2,949 Outside of LG, Sony also recently announced its own $20,000 77-Inch 4K Ultra HD OLED TV. Source: LG via PR NewswirePosted Wed Jun 28, 2017 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Launches Dolby Atmos Streaming Support[teaser]Select devices can now play Dolby Atmos tracks on supported Netflix titles.[/teaser] Netflix has announced the launch of Dolby Atmos audio support with the release of Bong Joon Ho's latest film Okja. In addition, several other Dolby Atmos titles are set to arrive throughout the coming months. Atmos playback for Netflix is currently only available through the Xbox One and Xbox One S consoles, but support for more devices will be added in the future. Dolby Atmos is an immersive, object-based audio technology that can add overhead audio to supported content and sound systems through ceiling speakers or Dolby Atmos speakers with upward firing drivers. Check out director Bong Joon Ho's thoughts on the technology below: In order to play Dolby Atmos content through Netflix, customers will need: - A Dolby Atmos capable audio system- A “4 Screens + Ultra HD” Netflix plan- A Netflix capable device with Dolby Atmos support- Streaming quality set to High or Auto Currently, Dolby Atmos Netflix playback is only supported through the Xbox One and Xbox One S consoles. With that said, support for 2017 LG OLED TVs is coming soon, and more devices are expected to be added over time as well. Beyond Okja, Netflix's upcoming slate of titles with Dolby Atmos audio tracks will include: - BLAME! (July 28)- Death Note (August 25)- Bright (December)- Wheelman (2017) A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Outside of Netflix, Dolby Atmos audio is also found on select Blu-rays, Ultra HD Blu-rays, and VUDU streaming titles. Likewise, the technology is also used in several theatrical releases and select movie theaters. Source: NetflixPosted Wed Jun 28, 2017 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Guy Ritchie's 'King Arthur: Legend of the Sword' Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D & 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Dated & Detailed[teaser]The medieval actioner starring Charlie Hunnam and Jude Law is coming to Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in August.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is preparing King Arthur: Legend of the Sword for Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, and Blu-ray 3D on August 8. Acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie brings his dynamic style to the epic fantasy action adventure "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword." Starring Charlie Hunnam in the title role, the film is an iconoclastic take on the classic Excalibur myth, tracing Arthur's journey from the streets to the throne. When the child Arthur's father is murdered, Vortigern (Jude Law), Arthur's uncle, seizes the crown. Robbed of his birthright and with no idea who he truly is, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, his life is turned upside down and he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy…whether he likes it or not. The King Arthur: Legend of the Sword 4K Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray and Blu-ray Combo Packs will include: Arthur with Swagger - Charlie Hunnam is a gentleman, a hunk and a rebel, setting new standards as king and new rules with the ladies.Sword from the Stone - Director Guy Ritchie as he breathes 21st Century life and luster into England's most iconic legend and he creates Camelot for a new audience!Parry and Bleed - Charlie Hunnam and other cast members get a crash course in swordplay. Vikings versus Saxons style!Building on the Past - Londinium comes to life with a new design of Medieval Urban life, built from scratch.Inside the Cut: The Action of King Arthur - Join stunt choreographer Eunice Huthart as she teams with Director Guy Ritchie to create the mind-blowing action of King ArthurCamelot in 93 Days - Friendships and romances strengthen and fray as the realities of a 93 day shoot set in.Legend of Excalibur - The world's most famous sword is brought to life for a new generation.Scenic Scotland - Wrapping a monumental production on location in glorious Scotland. You can find the latest specs for King Arthur: Legend of the Sword linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 8. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-rayPosted Tue Jun 27, 2017 at 09:51 AM PDT by: -
HDR Sucks: The Challenges & Frustrations of HDR10Keeping track of the latest audio and video tech can be daunting. Thankfully, High-Def Digest has you covered. Welcome to our new Home Theater 101 series, where we'll be explaining emerging technologies while also recommending the very best possible A/V gadgets n' gear you can buy at your particular budget level... Before a mob forms and screams for my head, please let me apologize for the provocative title and clear up a couple things. I'm not about to argue against HDR (high-dynamic range) content and neither am I arguing for its demise. In fact, I want to champion HDR content and hope for its success. There is much to love and appreciate in the pursuit of better contrast, richer blacks and improved, wider color reproduction, especially as someone who wants to recreate a true theatrical experience at home. The purpose of this article is to share specific grievances and frustrations with the implementation of HDR10 across Ultra HD Blu-ray and UHD streaming, and explain why Dolby Vision is superior and should eventually win this current battle for my wallet. So, without further ado, welcome to HOME THEATER 101HDR10 SUCKS We've already covered the basics about What is HDR? and What is Dolby Vision? in previous Home Theater 101 articles. If you need a refresher, please click on those article titles above. As any long-time home theater enthusiast knows, the introduction of new toys rarely goes smoothly or without a hitch. Those of us infected with the ridiculous obsession of upgrading to the latest and greatest (the terminal and incurable condition affectionately referred to as "upgraditis") are usually the guinea pigs for manufacturers promising better quality in some small area or another. And sometimes, it's difficult to remain objective, to criticize or admit the faults and drawbacks of the recent addition to the setup, in light of the amount of money spent to own the new, shiny toy. When Blu-ray was officially introduced to the market in 2006, it was fraught with a variety of issues and a mostly terrible selection of titles mixed with a few good ones. A bigger problem still was the awful picture quality of every single one of those movies, mainly due to the fact that studios simply recycled outdated DVD masters. Today, we're faced with a similar problem with many of the 4K Ultra HD (UHD) titles being released based on upconverted 2K digital intermediates (DI). The outcome isn't always bad, but the process can introduce some unwanted artifacts, such as aliasing, an unnatural grain structure or just poor resolution quality. This is precisely the problem with recent releases 3:10 to Yuma (2007), xXx: The Return of Xander Cage and the first Iron Man movie, which was released in Germany. To be fair, sharper image quality is only one small advantage of UHD discs. The reason for the format's existence is really on the implementation of HDR and a wider color gamut (WCG), capable of at least 90% of the DCI-P3 (Digital Cinema Initiative P3) color space used in cinemas today. But this is where we encounter one of our first problems because sadly, the quality of those features is dependent on the television set. While it's worth mentioning consumers are not always buying true 4K material, a bigger issue with the HDR mastering process introducing other possible faults in the format is related to the capabilities of individual TVs. In other words, while there is an agreed-upon standard for HDR created by the Ultra HD Forum, there isn't exactly a specified guideline for TV makers to abide by. Ultimately, this means that the 4K content being displayed can be handled differently from one manufacturer to the next. So, what are these standards and how can this create an issue between the many TV sets? Picture taken on high-def camera with HDR, but not an accurate representation of the actual content According to the Forum, HDR content can be mastered up to 4,000 "nits" of peak brightness, though it currently maxes at 1,000 nits, in 10-bit color depth. But most sets on the market right now range between 500 and 700 nits. The higher end Sonys and Samsungs have tested a tad brighter, and LG promises their more expensive line of OLEDs are capable of over 1,000 nits. I'm pointing out these differences because the question then becomes what happens to the extra missing nits. Well, that is decided by the manufacturer, which could either lead to better detailing in the specular highlights or a loss of them depending on the TV model purchased. When comparing the same still image, a Samsung TV can look brighter, but it can also wash out the finer details in the whitest whites. Meanwhile, a higher-end Vizio will seem darker, but whites will remain brilliant while maintaining clarity of those tiny, fine lines. The same goes for very dark scenes where shadows may crush small background information in one TV, but not as bad in another. The same movie on UHD can actually look better and brighter in one TV versus another. This, too, introduces another obstacle when it comes to calibration. When trying to adjust contrast, some TVs will achieve 1,000 nits with little issue, but other sets could potentially start blooming before even coming close. The same goes for adjusting brightness levels where the goal is to hit below 0.05 nits, but there is little guarantee that new TV can achieve that level before crushing. With manufacturers deciding the peak brightness of each set and depending on the model, there is potential for lots of discrepancy and disagreement in PQ between viewers. On top of that, HDR10 is an open-source format (no licensing fees for using it or advertising it), which allows manufacturers and studios to use it as they see fit without any consensus on how the content should be displayed. HDR10 is also a static mastering process that clicks on at the start of the movie, like someone simply flicking a switch and calling it good. The tone and gamut mapping techniques don't change or adjust depending on the scene or according to the stylized cinematography. Everything is dialed to specific peak targets, and they stay that way from start to finish with less consideration as to whether or not it was the filmmakers' intention or looks appropriate to the scene. On the other hand, Dolby Laboratories aims higher and with the future capabilities of television in mind with their HDR standard and mastering process. Dolby Vision is a proprietary format, meaning manufacturers pay a licensing fee because everyone involved must meet the same, universal standard. You can read the great article by Steve Cohen linked above for a breakdown of those standards. But for our purposes, I'll only mention that, with the promise of 68 billion colors, primaries already appear fuller and more true to life in the current slate of televisions while displaying a richer, more varied array of secondary hues. Much of the format's already noticeable superiority is due to a tone and gamut mapping process that's far more dynamic and active, meaning peak targets are adjusted scene by scene or frame by frame. By being a proprietary format, manufacturers must calibrate picture settings to Dolby's requirements. The drawback to this is that it limits the calibration efforts of the end user. That's not to say that owner's of their new, shiny 4K HDR display can't make alterations, but rather, the adjustments shouldn't be that far off from the prescribed settings out of the box. This would explain why we have yet to see Dolby Vision available on projectors, and we might not for several more years. The technicians at Dolby have a set goal in mind of how the picture should look. TVs can be made with those specific settings because they are not quite as sensitive as a projector, which is dependent on the condition of the room and must be adjusted accordingly. I don't have any official word from Dolby as to why Dolby Vision has yet to be included in projectors, but I suspect those technicians take into consideration that not all PJ owners watch in very dark rooms or environments where the lighting is controlled. Picture taken on high-def camera with HDR, but not an accurate representation of the actual content Granted, the strength of Dolby Vision all sounds good and fantastic on paper, but if most current televisions can't even reach 1,000 nits and max at 10-bit color depth, including 2017 models, then what does it matter? The point is that as excited as I am of HDR10 — and I am, owning every single UHD disc released thus far, including some rather questionable titles and a few imported from other parts of the world — I am even more excited for Dolby Vision. The standard is the future of home theater with the promise of being a better representation of a filmmaker's vision. And already, we can see the benefits and differences, especially now with three UHD titles featuring Dolby Vision HDR with plenty more coming in the next few months. Admittedly, the differences are very subtle, minor and arguably negligible for some, but they are nonetheless notable improvements giving us a glimpse of what is possible. On the more obvious and immediate side of things, there are CG animated films like The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie available on VUDU and can be had using the digital copy codes in the UHD package. In both cases, viewers can enjoy a significantly richer and far more energetic color palette than the HDR10, which are themselves a gorgeous presentation. The same goes for Despicable Me and its sequel. A point of comparison in part one is the Gru talking to his neighbor Fred, showing more vibrant yellows in his shirt against a luminous blue sky and lush green grass. In part two, when the two men are playing cards, the barrel on which they're playing and the container behind them glows a more accurate orange while the whites of the snow and the large number on the side sparkle a little brighter. And in either movie, Kyle's teal-colored hairs appear more intense and insect-like. Amazingly, the improved, deeper black levels make possible for even more visible details in the individual LEGO blocks, Batman's costume, Gru's jacket and Dr. Nefario's lab, giving each 4K presentation a jaw-dropping realism while providing the overall picture with an incredible three-dimensional depth. But what about live action movies? I can already hear some dissenters chanting, "That's all well and good, but how does Dolby Vision make my favorite live-action movie any better?" Well, going back to VUDU, in something like Unforgiven or Mad Max: Fury Road where the stylized photography shows a more restrained palette, the advantage is not so much in the colors, though flesh tones in MM:FR appear more natural and less reddish than the UHD, but in the contrast and brightness levels. In Clint Eastwood's award-winning western, there is more noticeable detailing in the fluffy clouds against a bright blue sky whereas the HDR10 makes them seem mistier. In George Miller's dystopian actioner, the faded, cracked white paint of War Boys is more realistic while individual grains of sand and rust spots of the War Rig are more visible. When combined with brightly colorful films, such as Pan or Pacific Rim, the Dolby Vision version easily wins that contest, again with better detailing in the specular highlights and against the blackest blacks, especially in the case of Guillermo del Toro's anime-inspired sci-fi fantasy. What really took me by surprise is also seeing this sort of improvement when comparing Power Rangers. The opening sequence with the Red Ranger crawling on the floor revealing more details in the dark distance while maintaining excellent contrast throughout. As Zordon inches closer to the camera, we can better make out what I assume are blue veins around his face and shoulders while the rest of his body comes with a bluish gray tone. Later on, the colorful Ranger outfits are absolutely brilliant and glowing while maintaining extraordinary clarity of the black fine lines in the design. When the kids stand around the Morphing Grid to finally morph, the intensely bright light doesn't wash out the individual wrinkles and creases in their clothes while the rest of the room remains covered in dark shadows. In the end, as much as I enjoy the current slate of 4K UHD Blu-ray titles, I am slowly coming to the conclusion that HDR10 sucks. Its limitations will soon fail to keep up with the future of television (which is why there have already been announcements about HDR10+ -- the + adds dynamic metadata -- for Samsung TVs and Amazon streaming content). Dolby Vision, on the other hand, is ready for that demand and already showing its advantages.Posted Mon Jun 26, 2017 at 09:02 AM PDT by: -
Epson Reveals Home Cinema 4000 Projector with 4K Enhancement & HDR for $2,199[teaser]The new projector supports 4K and HDR content.[/teaser] Epson has announced the latest addition to its projector lineup. The Home Cinema 4000 offers 4K Enhancement technology and HDR10 playback for an MSRP of $2,199. "Epson's latest 4Ke solution provides a comprehensive viewing experience that incorporates outstanding superior brightness, extreme contrast, broad color gamut, high color fidelity and amazing resolution to deliver image quality that rivals more expensive 4K solutions currently available in the market today," said Rodrigo Catalan, senior product manager, Projectors, Epson America. "From the light source, to the signal processor, to the 3LCD module, to the lens – Epson projectors deliver high quality images at a range of price points to bring big-screen performance to a range of consumers." Though not a native Ultra HD model, the projector features the company's 4K Enhancement technology, allowing the device to accept 4K UHD content by shifting each pixel diagonally by 0.5 pixels to double the resolution and surpass Full HD image quality. Likewise, the projector provides HDR10 support for high dynamic range content and 100 percent coverage of the DCI-P3 wide color gamut, along with 100 percent Pure Color Brightness with 2,200 lumens, a contrast ratio of up to 140,000:1, and support for screens up to 300-inches wide. Two HDMI connections and an optical audio port are integrated as well. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per Epson: • 4K Enhancement Technology – Accepts native 4K UHD content; also up-scales 1080p input for resolution that exceeds Full HD • HDR10 – High Dynamic Range for full 10-bit color output; extraordinary range of brightness for images bursting with real-life color • 100 Percent Pure Color Brightness – 2,200 lumens equal color and white brightness3 for vibrant, rich color in every mode • UltraBlack™ Contrast – Up to 140,000:1 contrast ratio for rich detail in both bright and dark scenes • Smart Motorized Lens – Preset up to 10 positions for powered focus, zoom and lens shift; features 2.1x zoom and ultra wide lens shift • L*a*b* Ultra Wide Color Gamut – Offers 100 percent coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, the digital cinema standard4 • Delta Level Color Accuracy – With a low Delta E rate, the Home Cinema 4000 delivers extremely accurate color reproduction for true-to-life images • Epson 3LCD Technology – Precision-aligned 3-chip engine delivers jaw-dropping action scenes with no rainbow effect The Epson Home Cinema 4000 is AVAILABLE NOW through select retailers, e-tailers, and the Epson online store for an MSRP of $2,100. Home Cinema 4000 vs Home Cinema 5040UB For anyone curious, we recently reviewed the Pro Cinema 6040UB / Home Cinema 5040UB -- which you can read HERE. When talking to Epson about the launch of the Home Cinema 4000, we asked about key differences between the models... At present, the HC 5040UB costs around $300 more than the HC 4000. For that $300, you get 2500 lumens (vs. 2200) and a million-to-one contrast ratio (vs 140,000:1), both of which will improve overall brightness, black level, and HDR performance. Otherwise, the Home Cinema 4000 offers the same basic casing, menu design, and color volume performance described above and in our full review. It's hard to argue with a $2,199.99 entry-level pricing, but if you want to do any daytime and/or 4K HDR viewing, the 5040UB might be a better choice. Either way, though, you'll be happy -- until true-4K projectors become more affordable, Epson 4Ke projectors are the best deals in town. Source: EpsonPosted Mon Jun 26, 2017 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
Streaming News Roundup: 'Star Trek: Discovery,' 'Wet Hot American Summer' and More[teaser]A release date for the new Star Trek series has finally been announced.[/teaser] CBS has announced a September 24 premiere for Star Trek: Discovery. The show will be broadcast that night on the CBS Television Network at 8:30-9:30 PM, ET/PT. Likewise, the series premiere will also be available through the CBS All Access streaming service, along with the second episode that same night immediately following the broadcast premiere. New episodes will then be available on-demand weekly on Sundays exclusively through CBS All Access in the US. The first season will consist of 15-episodes and will be released in two chapters. The first eight episodes will run from September 24 through November 5. The remaining episodes will then start streaming in January 2018. Meanwhile, Netflix has released new trailers, date announcements, and other info for several of its own upcoming shows and movies, including The Standups, To The Bone, Last Chance U, The Incredible Jessica James, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later, Atypical, and The Good Cop. The Standups (Netflix, July 4) - What’s better than one stand-up special? Find out when Netflix releases “The Standups,” a comedy special featuring six 30-minute episodes where six up-and-coming comedians take the mic to show off their material to the world. In “The Standups,” filmed live at the Cicada Restaurant and Club in Los Angeles, each comic brings a uniquely fresh and hilarious take on life in this intimate series of comedy shows. “The Standups” features the comedic talents of Nate Bargatze, Deon Cole, Fortune Feimster, Nikki Glaser, Dan Soder and Beth Stelling. To The Bone (Netflix, July 14) - Ellen is an unruly, 20-year-old anorexic girl who spent the better part of her teenage years being shepherded through various recovery programs, only to find herself several pounds lighter every time. Determined to find a solution, her dysfunctional family agrees to send her to a group home for youths, which is led by a non-traditional doctor. Surprised by the unusual rules—and charmed by her fellow patients—Ellen has to discover for herself how to confront her addiction and attempt self-acceptance, in order to stand a chance against her demons. Last Chance U: Season Two (Netflix, July 21) - A character driven, gut-wrenching behind-the-scenes look at the world of college football. The first season followed a group of young men training to become the future stars of the NFL. The football players are the latest recruits to East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), an undefeated team with 3 consecutive National Championships under their belt. The EMCC Lions have become a phenomenon in junior college sports, attracting elite athletes, some of whom have been held back by poor academic performance or behavioral issues. Under Coach Buddy Stephens, EMCC has become one of the most successful but least known athletic programs, graduating more than 20 players per year into football scholarships at four year universities, with nine of his former players currently playing in the NFL. The Incredible Jessica James (Netflix, July 28) - Jessica Williams (“The Daily Show”) stars as a young, aspiring playwright in New York City who is struggling to get over a recent breakup. She is forced to go on a date with the recently divorced Boone, played by Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids) and the unlikely duo discover how to make it through the tough times in a social media obsessed post-relationship universe. Lakeith Stanfield (FX’s “Atlanta”, Straight Outta Compton) and Noël Wells (Netflix’s “Master of None”) co-star. The film was written and directed by Jim Strouse and produced by Michael B. Clark and Alex Turtletaub of Beachside. Jessica Williams and Kerri Hundley serve as executive producers. Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later (Netflix, August 4) - Welcome to the Camp Firewood 10 Year Reunion! From David Wain and Michael Showalter, the filmmakers that brought the original 2001 cult classic and the 2015 acclaimed prequel series by the same name, Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later is the hilarious new eight-part limited series starring the original cast, plus an all-star lineup of new cast members. 10 Years Older. 10 Years Hotter. 10 Years Wetter. Returning cast includes A.D. Miles, Amy Poehler, Beth Dover, Chris Meloni, Chris Pine, David Hyde Pierce, David Wain, Elizabeth Banks, Eric Nenninger, H. Jon Benjamin, Janeane Garofalo, Jason Schwartzman, Joe Lo Truglio, John Early, Josh Charles, Ken Marino, Kristen Wiig, Lake Bell, Marguerite Moreau, Marisa Ryan, Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter, Molly Shannon, Nina Hellman, Paul Rudd, Rich Sommer, Sarah Burns and Zak Orth. New cast members include Skyler Gisondo, Samm Levine, Mark Feuerstein, Marlo Thomas, Joey Bragg, Jai Courtney, Dax Shepard, Alyssa Milano and -- surprise! -- Adam Scott. Atypical (Netflix, August 11) - A coming of age story that follows Sam (played by Keir Gilchrist), an 18-year-old on the autistic spectrum as he searches for love and independence. While Sam is on his funny yet emotional journey of self-discovery, the rest of his family must grapple with change in their own lives as they all struggle with the central theme: what does it really mean to be normal? Jennifer Jason Leigh stars as his mother, Elsa, who is on her own journey of self-discovery. Michael Rapaport plays his father, Doug. Brigette Lundy-Paine (Margot vs Lily, The Glass Castle) plays Sam’s sister Casey and Amy Okuda (How to Get Away with Murder) plays his therapist Julia. The series produced by Sony Pictures Television is created and written by Robia Rashid (The Goldbergs, How I Met Your Mother, Will & Grace). Academy Award winning producer Seth Gordon (Baywatch, The Goldbergs, Horrible Bosses, The King of Kong) directs several episodes. Rashid and Gordon serve as executive producers along with Mary Rohlich, and with Jennifer Jason Leigh serving as a producer. The Good Cop (Netflix, Coming Soon) - Tony Danza plays Tony Sr., a disgraced, former NYPD officer who never followed the rules. He lives with his son, Tony Jr., an earnest, obsessively honest NYPD detective who makes a point of always following the rules. This “odd couple” become unofficial partners as Tony Sr. offers his overly-cautious son blunt, street-wise advice on everything from handling suspects to handling women. "We're excited to bring viewers the return of Tony Danza, one of television's most beloved icons," said Cindy Holland, Vice President, Original Content for Netflix. "The Good Cop is a funny, charming procedural series that we think our members will love." - A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. - A current CBS All Access subscription costs $5.99 per month with reduced commercials or $9.99 per month for a commercial-free plan. Sources, Netflix (Youtube), Netflix, CBSPosted Fri Jun 23, 2017 at 10:00 PM PDT by: -
HD Gear News Roundup: LG Flexible OLED, Varjo VR Display, and More[teaser]We've compiled the latest gear news, including a new flexible OLED, high-res headmount display, and app updates.[/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 LG's new 77-inch flexible OLED, Varjo's "20/20" VR display, iOS Cloud DVR support for Sling TV, and YouTube updates. So, without further ado, here's a rundown of some of the latest gear and tech news: LG Reveals World's First 77-inch Flexible and Transparent OLED Display LG Display has announced its latest innovation in large screen OLED tech -- a 77-inch flexible and transparent OLED display. "LG Display, opened the large-sized OLED TV market in 2013, has been leading the OLED industry and will continue to bring innovation to the market," said Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer In-Byung Kang. "We pledge to provide differentiated value as the leader in the future display market." The new OLED is now the world's first and largest flexible and transparent display of its kind. The screen features an Ultra HD (UHD) resolution of 3840x2160 with 40% transparency, 80 radius of curvature, and the ability to be rolled up to a radius of 80mm without affecting the function of the display. LG previously demoed an 18-inch flexible and rollable OLED panel with 30 radius of curvature, an 18-inch transparent OLED panel, and a 55-inch transparent OLED panel with 40 percent transparency. Though only a demo piece for now, the company hopes to use the flexible and transparent OLED tech in the digital signage space. Meanwhile, LG continues to produce traditional large-screen 4K Ultra HD TV OLED panels for the home theater market. Source: LG Display Varjo Details "20/20" Human Eye-Resolution VR/AR/XR Headmount Display Varjo has revealed the world’s first "Human eye-resolution" headmounted display. The tech is designed for use in upcoming Varjo-branded immersive computing products. "Varjo's patented display innovation pushes VR technology 10 years ahead of the current stateof-the-art, where people can experience unprecedented resolution of VR and AR content limited only by the perception of the human eye itself," said Urho Konttori, CEO and founder of Varjo Technologies. "This technology, along with Varjo VST, jump-starts the immersive computing age overnight – VR is no longer a curiosity, but now can be a professional tool for all industries." Codenamed "20/20," the prototype is capable of an effective resolution of 70 MP -- almost 70x beyond any currently shipping or announced head-mounted display like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive (1.2 MP), offering new levels of immersion for Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality (VR/AR/MR) platforms. To achieve such enhanced performance, the 20/20 uses Varjo's patented technology to replicate how the human eye naturally works, enabling a super-high-resolution image further combined with video-see-through (VST) for AR/MR support. 20/20 tech will start shipping in Varjo-branded products for professional users and applications in late Q4, 2017. Source: Varjo YouTube Announces VR180 Format and Expands YouTube TV to More Markets YouTube has announced the VR180 virtual reality format developed in conjunction with Daydream. VR180 is designed to make creating VR videos easier and more affordable by limiting recording to what's in front of a user. The format offers 3-D video with 180-degree capture, resulting in an immersive experience when viewed through a VR headset, while also looking great on a traditional tablet, smartphone or desktop. The company is working with camera manufacturers like LG, Yi, and Lenovo to build new VR180 cameras, with prices set for as little as a couple hundred dollars. Meanwhile, YouTube has also announced an expansion of its YouTube TV streaming service. The subscription internet TV platform will be rolling out to ten more markets in a couple of weeks, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Washington, D.C., Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Miami-Fort Lauderdale, Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne, and Charlotte. YouTube TV 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 for $35 per month. 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. YouTube TV is available through Android and iOS mobile devices and computers, and users can also cast the service to their TVs via a Google Chromecast or Chromecast built-in TV. Source: YouTube TV Sling TV Brings Cloud DVR to iOS Devices Sling TV has announced an expansion of its Cloud DVR to iPhone and iPad iOS devices. The feature is also supported through Amazon Fire TV or tablet, Android device, Apple TV, Roku, Windows 10, AirTV player, and Xbox One. With the Sling TV Cloud DVR, subscribers with a supported device can purchase 50 hours of storage for $5 per month with any Sling TV package. Sling TV offers a variety of live streaming and on-demand programming packages. The base Sling TV Orange plan currently costs $20 per month and features more than 30 channels, including Disney/ESPN stations. Meanwhile, the base Sling TV Blue plan costs $25 per month and features more than 40 channels, including FOX and NBC stations. Finally, customers can also opt to combine both plans for $40 per month. Source: EngadgetPosted Fri Jun 23, 2017 at 09:30 PM PDT by: -
Blu-ray News Roundup: Classic Monster Movie SteelBooks, 'Friday Night Lights,' and More[teaser]Monsters, athletes, pirates, and more are all heading to Blu-ray.[/teaser] New info has been revealed for several upcoming Blu-ray releases from PBS, Sony, Lionsgate, Cohen Media Group, Mill Creek Entertainment, Synapse Films, Universal, Severin Films, and Kino. Here's a full rundown of recently revealed details and title announcements: First up, PBS has announced plans to bring the documentary film The Story of China with Michael Wood to Blu-ray on June 27. No other details have been revealed. Order the Blu-ray Meanwhile, Severin Films is set to release Joe D'Amato's Beyond the Darkness starring Kieran Canter, Cinzia Monreale, and Franca Stoppi on July 25. The Blu-ray will feature: -Joe D'Amato: The Horror Experience-The Omega Woman: Interview With Actress Franca Stoppi (17 Minutes)-Goblin Reborn Perform Buio Omega Live 2016-Locations Revisited-Sick Love - An Interview With Actress Cinzia Monreale-Original Trailer-CD soundtrack (music by cult band Goblin) Order the Blu-ray Sony is prepping Bette Gordon's The Drowning starring Julia Stiles, Josh Charles, and Avan Jogia for Blu-ray on August 1. Supplements will include a behind-the-scenes featurette. Likewise, the studio will bring The Blacklist: The Complete Fourth Season starring James Spader, Megan Boone, Diego Klattenhoff, and Harry Lennix to Blu-ray on August 15. Supplements will include: -A Lighter Shade Of Red-Mr. Kaplan: End Of An Era-Gag Reel-Deleted Scenes-3 Episode Commentaries-A Darker Shade of Red Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Lionsgate is bringing Ken Marino's How to be a Latin Lover starring Eugenio Derbez, Salma Hayek, Rob Lowe, Kristen Bell, and Raquel Welch to Blu-ray on August 15 Supplements will include: -Deleted and Extended Scenes-"Show Me Your Sexy! Learning How to Be a Latin Lover" Featurette-"A Little Help from My Friends" Featurette-Audio Commentary with Director Ken Marino, Producer Ben Odell and Editor John Daigle In addition, the studio will release Black Sails: The Complete Fourth Season starring Toby Stephens, Hannah New, Zach McGowan, and Luke Arnold on August 29. Supplements will include: -"Inside the World of 'Black Sails'" Featurette-"Creating the World" Featurette-"Roundtable: Women in Piracy" Featurette-"Roundtable: The Legends of Treasure Island" Featurette-"Roundtable: Fearless Fans" Featurette Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Cohen Media Group has announced plans to release James Ivory's Maurice starring James Wilby, Hugh Grant, and Rupert Graves on September 5. The disc will feature a 4K restoration supervised by James Ivory and cinematographer Piere Lhomme. No other details have been revealed so far. Order the Blu-ray Mill Creek Entertainment is bringing Friday Night Lights: The Complete Series starring Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Aimee Teegarden, and Taylor Kitsch to Blu-ray on September 12. No other details have been announced at this time. Order the Blu-ray Synapse Films has announced plans to release Dario Argento's Phenomena starring Jennifer Connelly and Donald Pleasance on September 12. The Blu-ray will feature: -THREE different cuts of PHENOMENA, all available in high-definition for the first time ever in one collector's edition package!-Audio Commentary Track on PHENOMENA (110 Version) from Argento scholar and author, Derek Botelho and film historian, journalist and radio/television commentator, David Del Valle-DARIO ARGENTO'S WORLD OF HORROR Documentary. A fascinating look at the early films of director Dario Argento, including PHENOMENA, SUSPIRIA, DEMONS, DAWN OF THE DEAD, INFERNO and many more! Containing candid interviews and awesome behind-the-scenes footage, DARIO ARGENTO'S WORLD OF HORROR gives us a look into the mind of Italy's Master of Horror and is an essential viewing experience for all Argento fans.-Interview with Andi Sex Gang-PHENOMENA International Theatrical Trailer-CREEPERS U.S. Theatrical Trailer & Radio Spots-Multiple optional subtitle selections on PHENOMENA (116 Minute Version), including one for just the foreign English language segments of the hybrid version, complete English subtitles for the entire feature, and complete English subtitles for the Italian version of the film. In addition, the label is also set to bring Pete Schuermann's The Creep Behind the Camera / The Creeping Terror starring Josh Phillips, Jodi Lynn Thomas, and Bill LeVasseur to Blu-ray on September 12. Supplements will include: -Audio Commentary with Director Pete Schuermann, Producer Nancy Theken and Stars Josh Phillips & Jodi Lynn Thomas-The Making of THE CREEP BEHIND THE CAMERA-How to Build a Carpet Monster-Breaking Down Art's Death Scene-Monster Movie Homages-"One Mick to Another" with Byrd Holland & Allan Silliphant-Deleted Scenes-Alternate Ending-Screamfest Black Carpet Q&A with Frank Conniff-Trailers Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-ray Universal has revealed new Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook versions of its classic monster movie titles. The lineup will be available on September 12 and will include: George Waggner's The Wolf Man starring Lon Chaney, Jr., Claude Rains, and Evelyn Ankers. Karl Freud's The Mummy starring Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, and David Manners. James Whale's The Invisible Man starring Claude Rains, Gloria Stuart, and William Harrigan. James Whale's Frankenstein starring Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, John Boles, and Boris Karloff. James Whale's The Bride of Frankenstein starring Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester, and Valerie Hobson. Tod Browning's Dracula starring Bela Lugosi, David Manners, and Edward Van Sloan. Jack Arnold's Creature from the Black Lagoon starring Richard Carlson, Julie Adams, and Richard Denning Finally, Kino has announced three new upcoming Blu-ray titles. Exact release dates have not been announced yet, but the lineup is set to arrive later this year: Cameron Menzies' The Maze - 3D starring Richard Carlson, Veronica Hurst, and Katherine Emery. John Irvin's City of Industry starring Harvey Keitel, Stephen Dorff, Timothy Hutton, Famke Janssen, and Lucy Liu. Dominique Othenin-Girard's Night Angel starring Karen Black, Isa Jank, Linden Ashby, Debra Feuer, Helen Martin, Doug Jones, and Gary Hudson. You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule.Posted Fri Jun 23, 2017 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
Criterion's September 2017 Blu-ray Titles Now Available for Pre-Order![teaser]The distributor has revealed its upcoming slate of September releases, including Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion is preparing Rebecca, Festival, Certain Women, David Lynch: The Art Life, Othello, and The Piano Teacher for Blu-ray throughout the month of September. Rebecca (September 5) - Romance becomes psychodrama in Alfred Hitchcock’s elegantly crafted Rebecca, his first foray into Hollywood filmmaking. A dreamlike adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s 1938 novel, the film stars the enchanting Joan Fontaine as a young woman who believes she has found her heart’s desire when she marries the dashing aristocratic widower Maxim de Winter (played with cunning vulnerability by Laurence Olivier). But upon moving to Manderley—her groom’s baroque ancestral mansion—she soon learns that his deceased wife haunts not only the home but the temperamental, brooding Maxim as well. The start of Hitchcock’s legendary collaboration with producer David O. Selznick, this elegiac gothic vision, captured in stunning black and white by George Barnes, took home the Academy Awards for best picture and best cinematography. -Audio commentary from 1990 featuring film scholar Leonard J. Leff-Isolated music and effects track-New conversation between film critic and author Molly Haskell and scholar Patricia White-New interview with special effects historian Craig Barron on the visual effects in Rebecca-Documentary from 2007 on the making of Rebecca-Screen, hair, makeup, and costume tests including actors Joan Fontaine, Anne Baxter, Vivien Leigh, Margaret Sullavan, and Loretta Young-Casting gallery annotated by director Alfred Hitchcock and producer David O. Selznick-Television interviews with Hitchcock and Fontaine from 1973 and 1980-Audio interviews from 1986 with actor Judith Anderson and Fontaine-Three radio adaptations of Rebecca, from 1938, 1941, and 1950, including Orson Welles’s version for the Mercury Theatre-Theatrical rerelease trailer Order the Blu-ray Festival (September 12) - Before Woodstock and Monterey Pop, there was Festival. From 1963 to 1966, Murray Lerner visited the annual Newport Folk Festival to document a thriving, idealistic musical movement as it reached its peak as a popular phenomenon. Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Howlin’ Wolf, Johnny Cash, the Staples Singers, Pete Seeger, Son House, and Peter, Paul and Mary were just a few of the legends who shared the stage at Newport, treating audiences to a range of folk music that encompassed the genre’s roots in blues, country, and gospel as well as its newer flirtations with rock ’n’ roll. Shooting in gorgeous black and white, Lerner juxtaposes performances with snapshot interviews with artists and their fans, weaving footage from four years of the festival into an intimate record of a pivotal time in music—and in American culture at large. -When We Played Newport, a new program featuring archival interviews with Lerner, music festival producer George Wein, and musicians Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Buffy Saint---Marie, Pete Seeger, and Peter Yarrow-Editing “Festival,” a new program featuring Lerner, associate editor Alan Heim, and assistant editor Gordon Quinn-Selection of complete outtake performances, including Clarence Ashley, Horton Barker, Johnny Cash, John Lee Hooker, and Odetta-PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic Amanda Petrusich and artist bios by folk music expert Mary Katherine Aldin Order the Blu-ray Certain Women (September 19) - The expanses of the American Northwest take center stage in this intimately observed triptych from Kelly Reichardt. Adapted from three short stories by Maile Meloy and unfolding in self-contained but interlocking episodes, Certain Women navigates the subtle shifts in personal desire and social expectation that unsettle the circumscribed lives of its characters: a lawyer (Laura Dern) forced to subdue a troubled client; a woman (Michelle Williams) whose plans to construct her dream home reveal fissures in her marriage; and a night-school teacher (Kristen Stewart) who forms a tenuous bond with a lonely ranch hand (Lily Gladstone), whose unguardedness and deep attachment to the land deliver an unexpected jolt of emotional immediacy. With unassuming craft, Reichardt captures the rhythms of daily life in small-town Montana through these fine-grained portraits of women trapped within the landscape’s wide-open spaces. -New interviews with the film’s cast and crew, including Reichardt and executive producer Todd Haynes-New interview with Maile Meloy, author of the stories on which the film is based-Trailer-PLUS: An essay by critic Ella Taylor Order the Blu-ray David Lynch: The Art Life (September 26) - A rare glimpse into the mind of one of cinema’s most enigmatic visionaries, David Lynch: The Art Life offers an absorbing portrait of the artist, as well as an intimate encounter with the man himself. From the privacy of his home and painting studio in the Hollywood Hills, a candid Lynch conjures people and places from his past, from his boyhood in Idaho and Virginia to his experiences at art school in Boston and Philadelphia to the beginnings of his filmmaking career in Los Angeles—in stories that unfold like scenes from his movies. This remarkable documentary by directors Jon Nguyen, Rick Barnes, and Olivia Neergaard-Holm reveals the story behind Lynch’s early years as a painter and director drawn to the phantasmagoric, while also illuminating his enduring commitment to what he calls the “the art life”: “You drink coffee, you smoke cigarettes, and you paint, and that’s it.” -New interview with codirector Jon Nguyen-PLUS: A new essay by critic Dennis Lim Order the Blu-ray Othello (September 26) - Gloriously cinematic despite being made on a tiny budget, Orson Welles’s Othello is a testament to the filmmaker’s stubborn willingness to pursue his vision to the ends of the earth. Unmatched in his passionate identification with Shakespeare’s imagination, Welles brings his inventive visual approach to this enduring tragedy of jealousy, bigotry, and rage, and also gives a towering performance as the Moor of Venice, alongside Suzanne Cloutier as his innocent wife, Desdemona, and Micheál MacLiammóir as the scheming Iago. Shot over the course of three years in Morocco, Venice, Tuscany, and Rome and plagued by many logistical problems, this fiercely independent film joins Macbeth and Chimes at Midnight in making the case for Welles as the cinema’s most audacious interpreter of the Bard. -Audio commentary from 1995 featuring filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich and Orson Welles scholar Myron Meisel-Return to Glennascaul, a 1953 short film made by MacLiammóir and actor Hilton Edwards during a hiatus from shooting Othello-New interview with Welles biographer Simon Callow-Souvenirs d’“Othello,” a 1995 documentary about actor Suzanne Cloutier by François Girard-New interview with scholar François Thomas on the two versions-New interview with Ayanna Thompson, author of Passing Strange: Shakespeare, Race, and Contemporary America-Interview from 2014 with scholar Joseph McBride-PLUS: An essay by film critic Geoffrey O’Brien Order the Blu-ray The Piano Teacher (September 26) - Academy Award–winning Austrian director Michael Haneke shifted his focus from the social to the psychological for this riveting study of female sexuality and the dynamics of control, an adaptation of a controversial 1983 novel by Elfriede Jelinek. Haneke finds his match in Isabelle Huppert, who delivers an icy but quietly seething performance as Erika, a middle-aged piano professor at a Viennese conservatory who lives with her mother, in a claustrophobically codependent relationship. Severely repressed, she satisfies her masochistic urges only voyeuristically until she meets Walter (Benoît Magimel), a young student whose desire for Erika leads to a destructive infatuation that upsets the careful equilibrium of her life. A critical breakthrough for Haneke, The Piano Teacher—which won the Grand Prix as well as dual acting awards for its stars at Cannes—is a formalist masterwork that remains a shocking sensation. -New interview with Haneke-New interview with actor Isabelle Huppert-Selected-scene commentary from 2002 featuring Huppert-Behind-the-scenes footage of a postsync session for the film featuring Haneke and Huppert-Trailer-PLUS: An essay by scholar Moira Weigel 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 Thu Jun 22, 2017 at 11:30 AM PDT by:
