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VIZIO Updates E-Series Ultra HD Displays with HDR10 Steaming Support[teaser]The HDR10 streaming firmware is now available.[/teaser] VIZIO has announced the release of a new firmware update for its E-Series SmartCast Ultra HD HDR Display lineup. The upgrade adds support for HDR10 streaming capabilities and is now available for 55" class size E-Series HDR displays and above. "We're happy to give E-Series big screen owners the additional benefits of High Dynamic Range picture quality, made possible through our award-winning full-array backlight technology with local dimming to give viewers the inky black levels they love," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The addition of on-screen menu access to picture settings also provides added value to SmartCast users, enabling convenient control from the new included remote on our 2017 E-Series models." HDR10 streaming is supported through several services on the E-Series, including Netflix, Vudu, and FandangoNOW. In addition, E-Series HDR displays can also play HDR10 content from external HDR sources like Ultra HD Blu-ray players and the Xbox One S game console. Likewise, the new firmware update also provides the ability to access all picture settings on-screen, rather than just through a mobile device, using the included 2017 E-Series remote or any universal IR remote or older VIZIO remote that includes a Menu button. To install the HDR10 streaming update, VIZIO SmartCast E-Series users must make sure their display is connected to the internet. Once connected, SmartCast displays automatically search for new firmware when available and download it automatically to the display. The 2017 E-Series display collection features models with up to 16 Active LED Zones. Likewise, HDR10 support is included on all units 55-inches or larger. In addition, the lineup includes new XXL 75-inch and 80-inch sizes, offering viewers even bigger screen options. Finally, the E-Series uses VIZIO's SmartCast platform with Chromecast built-in, allowing users to cast content to and control their displays through the SmartCast app on Android and iOS mobile devices. And beyond the new E-Series update, VIZIO has also announced the launch of its 2017 M-Series Ultra HD Dolby Vision display lineup in Canada. Source: VIZIOPosted Tue May 16, 2017 at 11:40 AM PDT by: -
'Shin Godzilla' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The 2016 Japanese monster epic is headed for Blu-ray in August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Funimation is working on 'Shin Godzilla' for Blu-ray on August 1. Make way for the ultimate homage to one of the most enduring legends of the big screen—Godzilla! The King of the Monsters is back in Tokyo for a city-crushing crusade that speaks to the very roots of the world-renowned franchise. It's a peaceful day in Japan when a strange fountain of water erupts in the bay, causing panic to spread among government officials. At first, they suspect only volcanic activity, but one young executive dares to wonder if it may be something different… something alive. His worst nightmare comes to life when a massive, gilled monster emerges from the deep and begins tearing through the city, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake. As the government scrambles to save the citizens, a rag-tag team of volunteers cuts through a web of red tape to uncover the monster's weakness and its mysterious ties to a foreign superpower. But time is not on their side—the greatest catastrophe to ever befall the world is about to evolve right before their very eyes. Specs have yet to be revealed, but the release will include: Godzilla vs. the Nerds: Interview; Original Trailers; Original Japanese Audio Track with English subtitles; and an English Audio Track. You can find the latest specs for 'Shin Godzilla' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 1.Posted Tue May 16, 2017 at 09:38 AM PDT by: -
Bill Condon's 'Beauty and the Beast' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Disney's live-action 2017 film starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, and Ewan McGregor will be in stores this June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Disney/Buena Vista is working on 'Beauty and the Beast' for Blu-ray on June 6. Disney's Beauty and the Beast is a live-action re-telling of the studio's animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. "Beauty and the Beast" is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle's enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast's hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Enchanted Table Read – Join the cast for the movie's elaborately staged table read, complete with singing and dancing to live music, set pieces and more; A Beauty of a Tale – Explore the process of transforming a beloved animated film into a new live-action classic; The Women Behind Beauty and the Beast – Emma Watson introduces several of the talented women in all aspects of production who helped bring this enchanted tale to life; Making a Moment with Celine Dion – Celine Dion shares what it's like to sing "How Does a Moment Last Forever" – and be a part of the legacy of Beauty and the Beast; From Song to Screen: Making the Musical Sequences – See what goes into making some of the best-known moments from Beauty and the Beast; Deleted Scenes with Introduction by Director Bill Condon; Extended Song: "Days in the Sun" – Learn more about Beast's childhood in an alternate version of this beautiful song, introduced by director Bill Condon; "Beauty and the Beast" Music Video – Award-winning artists Ariana Grande and John Legend perform a moving version of this iconic song; and Making the Music Video – Go on set to capture the magic as it happens in Ariana Grande and John Legend's "Beauty and the Beast" music video."Beauty and the Beast"Disney Song Selection – Jump directly to all your favorite songs and sing along with the movie. You can find the latest specs for 'Beauty and the Beast' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under June 6. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon May 15, 2017 at 06:15 PM PDT by: -
Marantz Details New NR1608 and NR1508 Slim Design AV Receivers[teaser]Two new AV receiver models have been revealed.[/teaser] Marantz has announced the launch of the latest additions to its home theater lineup. The new slimline NR1608 ($749) and NR1508 ($549) network AV receivers are both set to start shipping this month. The 7.2 channel NR1608 and 5.2 channel NR1508 both feature Marantz's convenient slimline design for easy placement. Likewise, the receivers also offer support for 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through with 4:4:4 color resolution, HDR and BT.2020, plus Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG via future firmware update). Network streaming capabilities, Bluetooth playback, and Airplay connectivity are integrated as well. In addition, the devices both include support for the HEOS wireless multi-room audio system. Finally, the NR1608 adds Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback for up to a 5.1.2 immersive audio system. Here's a full rundown of specs and features for each model per the press release: NR1608 7.2-channel Slim Design Network AV Receiver with HEOS – Main Features: · 7-channel discrete power amplifier, 50 W per channel at 8 ohms, 20 Hz~20 kHz, 0.08% THD· 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through, 4:4:4 color resolution, HDR and BT.2020, plus Dolby Vision compatibility and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG; via future firmware update)· 8 HDMI inputs (incl. 1 front) with full HDCP 2.2 support · Analogue to HDMI conversion and SD/HD to 4K Upscaling for legacy video sources · Dolby Atmos (up to 5.1.2) and DTS:X · Built-in Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz/5GHz dual band support· HEOS wireless multi-room integration · AirPlay, Bluetooth, Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, iHeart Radio, Sirius XM, Sound Cloud, Tidal, Napster, and Deezer Network Audio Streaming · DSD (2.8/5.6MHz), FLAC, ALAC and WAV support · Audyssey MultEQ, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ · Audyssey MultEQ Editor app support (available for $ 20 US in the Appstores) · Color-coded speaker terminals, Setup Assistant, Advanced GUI, Marantz 2016 AVR Remote App · ISF video calibration · Multi-room/Multi-source (2nd zone; via amplifiers or via pre-out)· Intelligent ECO mode with off/on/auto setting NR1508 5.2-channel Slim Design Network AV Receiver with HEOS – Main Features – as NR1608, except:· 5-channel discrete power amplifier, 50 W per channel at 8 ohms, 20 Hz~20 kHz, 0.08% THD· 6 HDMI inputs (incl. 1 front)· Dolby True HD and DTS-HD decoding· n/a is Dolby Atmos or DTS:X· n/a ISF video calibration· n/a Analogue to HDMI conversion and SD/HD to 4K Upscaling· n/a Remote Out, RS-232C Port· n/a Audyssey MultEQ Editor App support Source: MarantzPosted Mon May 15, 2017 at 05:50 PM PDT by: -
Daniel Espinosa's 'Life' Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray Dated and Supplements Detailed [UPDATED)[teaser]The science fiction thriller starring Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson and Jake Gyllenhaal is arriving on both formats in June. [/teaser] As previously reported, Sony was prepping 'Life' for Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray this summer, and now the date has been set for June 20. Life is an intense sci-fi thriller about a team of scientists aboard the International Space Station whose mission of discovery turns to one of primal fear when they find a rapidly evolving life-form that caused extinction on Mars, and now threatens the crew and all life on Earth. Directed by Daniel Espinosa and written by Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick, LIFE was produced by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Bonnie Curtis and Julie Lynn; with Don Granger and Vicki Dee Rock serving as executive producers. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Deleted Scenes, "Claustrophobic Terror: Creating a Thriller in Space", "Life: In Zero G", "Creating Life: The Art and Reality of Calvin", and "Astronaut Diaries" You can find the latest specs for 'Life' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under June 20. Order the UHD Blu-rayPosted Mon May 15, 2017 at 05:30 PM PDT by: -
Redbox Preps 1,500 New Rental Kiosks Nationwide[teaser]Redbox is keeping physical media rentals alive with more kiosks set to crop up across the country.[/teaser] Redbox has announced plans to expand access to movie and game rentals with the addition of 1,500 net new rental kiosks throughout 2017. More than 300 new kiosks have been placed in the first quarter so far, and once the expansion is complete, the company is set to have more than 41,500 kiosks nationwide. "In small and large towns across America, millions of hard-working Americans rely on Redbox every day for relief and value from the rising costs of going to the theater, or exorbitant fees from cable and satellite companies," said Galen Smith, CEO of Redbox. "Renting discs remains an important consumer offering for families on a budget, or any consumer who wants a better value for new release content." Smith continued, "The proof is in the numbers, as Redbox averages more than eight million rentals a week. We're excited and proud to be expanding to serve even more people, in more ways, and in more places this year." Current Redbox DVD rentals start at $1.50 per night and Blu-ray rentals start at $2 per night, offering a cheaper alternative to theatrical ticket prices and typical new release rentals from cable and satellite companies which usually charge around $4 to $5. And in addition to news on the company's kiosk expansion, Redbox has also shared new survey results focused on Americans' perspectives on affordable family entertainment choices. The national survey was conducted across more than 1,000 US households. Here's a rundown of some key findings per the press release: -85% of Americans noted they watch more movies at home because the theater is expensive;-93% of Americans said movie theater prices really add up after purchasing tickets and snacks;-94% of Americans have heard of Redbox, and 46% of Americans said they would rent more from Redbox if there was a location closer to them;-48% of Americans chose Redbox as the best value for renting new release movies, compared to only 30% for their cable/satellite provider (on demand), 19% for Amazon Prime, and 3% for Apple's iTunes;-However, 68% of Redbox users believe Redbox is the best value for renting new release movies, 16% for Amazon Prime, 14% their cable/satellite provider (on demand), and 2% for Apple's iTunes;-54% of Americans said they would rather drive to a Redbox kiosk to save money, but that number jumps to 75% among Redbox users; and-58% of Americans said it's easy for them to stop at Redbox on their daily commute to pick up a new release movie, and among Redbox users, that figure rises to 77%. To find a Redbox location near you, check out www.redbox.com/locations. Source: Redbox via PR NewswirePosted Mon May 15, 2017 at 05:20 PM PDT by: -
Powers Boothe Dead at 68[teaser]The Texas born character actor who starred in numerous films and TV series including 'The Avengers' and 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' has died.[/teaser] MSN.com is reporting that Powers Boothe has passed away, although the exact cause of death is still unknown at this time. Boothe was best known for playing memorable villains in 'Sudden Death', 'Frailty,' 'Sin City', and HBO's 'Deadwood', and he won an Emmy in 1980 for his role as cult leader Jim Jones in CBS' Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones. He was 68 years old. Source: MSN.comPosted Mon May 15, 2017 at 10:29 AM PDT by: -
'Léon: The Professional' and 'The Fifth Element' Prepped for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]A pair of Luc Besson classics will be getting the 4K Ultra HD treatment in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is working on 'Léon: The Professional' for Ultra HD Blu-ray on July 11. A corrupt Drug Enforcement Administration boss and his thugs murder Mathilda's family in a drug deal gone awry. Orphaned by the massacre, Mathilda is forced to take shelter in the apartment of a neighbor, Léon, whom she knows only slightly. He's a loner and first generation immigrant, who also happens to be a professional hitman. He's never had reason to care about anybody and she has no one else to turn to. Together they form a makeshift bond that will forever change both their lives. Sony is also preparing to bring 'The Fifth Element' to Ultra HD Blu-ray on the same date. Set in the 23rd century, New York cab driver Korben Dallas didn't mean to be a hero, but he just picked up the kind of fare that only comes along every five thousand years: A perfect beauty, a perfect being, a perfect weapon. Now, together, they must save the world. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Léon: The Professional - Ultra HD Blu-ray' and 'The Fifth Element - Ultra HD Blu-ray' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under July 11.Posted Mon May 15, 2017 at 10:06 AM PDT by: -
Streaming News Roundup: 'Orange is the New Black,' Martin Scorsese's 'The Irishman,' and More[teaser]Trailers, release dates, casting, and more have been revealed for various streaming titles.[/teaser] Netflix and Amazon have released new trailers, date announcements, and other info for several of their upcoming shows and movies, including Orange is the New Black, Bloodline, Gypsy, War Machine, The Irishman, All or Nothing, and more. Check out a full rundown of the latest streaming news and trailers below: Tracy Morgan: Staying Alive (Netflix, May 16) - Following his serious car accident, Tracy Morgan makes his return to stand-up to joke about being in a coma, talking to God, and his family's eccentricities. Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King (Netflix, May 23) - Fresh off his performance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, comedian Hasan Minhaj tackles immigration, family, and equality in a new stand-up special. War Machine (Netflix, May 26) - In a film for our times, writer-director David Michôd (Animal Kingdom) recreates a U.S. General’s roller-coaster rise and fall as part reality, part savage parody – raising the specter of just where the line between them lies today. His is an anti-establishment, pro-soldier exploration in the form of an absurdist war story of a born leader’s ultra-confident march right into the dark heart of folly. At the story’s core is Brad Pitt’s sly take on a successful, charismatic four-star general who leapt in like a rock star to command NATO forces in Afghanistan, only to be taken down by his own hubris and a journalist’s no-holds-barred expose. War Machine addresses the debt we owe to soldiers to question the purposes to which they are being directed. Bloodline: Season Three (Netflix, May 26) - The Emmy®, Golden Globe®, and WGA nominated dramatic thriller explores the demons lurking beneath the surface of a contemporary American family. In Bloodline, the Rayburns are hard-working pillars of their Florida Keys community, but their past contains dark secrets that they hope remain buried. Paranoia and mistrust build as lies pile up, alliances are shattered, and an unthinkable crime takes place. The tight-knit family's formerly harmonious relationship deteriorates, and good people are forced to consider doing very bad things. Orange is the New Black: Season Five (Netflix, June 9) - An hour-long series based on the best-selling memoir of the same name by Piper Kerman, and follows a privileged New Yorker who ends up in a women's prison when a past crime catches up with her. The show stars Taylor Schilling, Uzo Aduba, Kate Mulgrew, Laura Prepon, Laverne Cox, Dascha Polanco, Danielle Brooks, Selenis Leyva, Samira Wiley, Taryn Manning, Yael Stone, Jackie Cruz, Lea DeLaria, Adrienne C. Moore and Elizabeth Rodriguez, along with Michael Harney and Nick Sandow. The series is produced by 'Weeds' creator Jenji Kohan. Gypsy (Netflix, June 30) - The show focuses on Jean Holloway (Naomi Watts) – a therapist who begins to develop dangerous and intimate relationships with the people in her patients' lives. Game Over, Man! (Netflix, April 20, 2018) - In this action comedy, three friends are on the verge of getting their video game financed when their benefactor is taken hostage by terrorists. According to a report from Indiewire, Netflix has officially greenlit Martin Scorsese's The Irishman. The upcoming film is set to start production in August and will star Robert De Niro as mob hitman, Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran. Additional cast members will also include Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Bobby Cannavale, and Harvey Keitel. The script is written by Steve Zaillian and is based on Charles Brandt's book, "I Heard You Paint Houses." Flashback scenes will also be a part of the story, and De Niro is reportedly set to be digitally de-aged to around 30 years old by Industrial Light & Magic for these sequences. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the movie is being eyed for a 2019 Netflix release day-and-date with a limited Oscar-qualifying run. In addition, Netflix has also confirmed a season two pickup for its original series 13 Reasons Why. A release date has not been announced yet. The first season is available to stream now. Based on the best-selling books by Jay Asher, the Netflix Original Series 13 Reasons Why follows Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) as he returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who tragically committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Will Clay be one of them? Le Mans: Racing is Everything (Amazon Prime Video, June 9) - A lifetime to prepare. 24 hours to win it all. Experience the thrill of the most elite endurance motorsport race in the world in the new Amazon Original Series Le Mans: Racing is Everything available to stream June 9th on Amazon Prime Video. Experience unprecedented access to the best in class teams, high-tech cars, and professional drivers who put it all on the line in what's known as "the Mount Everest of motorsports." All or Nothing: A Season with the Los Angeles Rams (Amazon Prime Video, June 30) - In the second season of this Emmy-winning sports docu-series, we get an unprecedented inside look at the year-long transition of the Los Angeles Rams. Go inside the locker room, onto the practice fields and into the homes of players and coaches as they search for a new identity to go along with their new home and fight for their future together. - A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. - A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $9 per month. Sources: Netflix (YouTube), Amazon (YouTube), Indiewire, 13 Reasons Why (Twitter)Posted Fri May 12, 2017 at 12:20 PM PDT by: -
Showtime Releases Trailer for David Lynch's 'Twin Peaks' Revival[teaser]The limited event series begins on Sunday, May 21 at 9:00 PM ET/PT.[/teaser] Widely considered one of the most groundbreaking and influential broadcast series of all time, Twin Peaks followed the inhabitants of a quaint northwestern town who were stunned after their homecoming queen Laura Palmer was shockingly murdered. The town's sheriff welcomed the help of FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper, who came to town to investigate the case. As Cooper conducted his search for Laura's killer, the town's secrets were gradually exposed. The mystery that ensued set off an eerie chain of events that plunged the inhabitants of Twin Peaks into a darker examination of their very existence. Twenty-five years later, the story continues... Check out the official U.S. trailer below! The 18-hour limited event series picks up 25 years later and stars much of the original cast including Mädchen Amick, Dana Ashbrook, Sheryl Lee, Everett McGill, Kimmy Robertson, Russ Tamblyn, Ray Wise, and Kyle MacLachlan as Special Agent Dale Cooper. Source: YouTubePosted Fri May 12, 2017 at 09:44 AM PDT by:
