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Samsung Announces April Launch for UBD-M9500 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player, Price Set for $399[teaser]The second generation Samsung UHD Blu-ray player will go on sale next month.[/teaser] Samsung has revealed pricing and availability for its new Ultra HD Blu-ray player. The upcoming M9500 is expected to start shipping in April for a suggested retail price of $399. The player will join the company's previously released UBD-K8500 (review here). The M9500 will feature Ultra HD Blu-ray disc playback along with HDR (high dynamic range) support. Likewise, the player will include Bluetooth wireless streaming connectivity and Samsung Smart Remote integration across the UHD ecosystem. In addition, the device can automatically optimize a customer's TV screen and audio levels by analyzing the content source being played -- such as HDR, Atmos or DTS-X -- enabling users to enjoy the content they want without changing their TV or audio settings. A new Private Cinema Mode is offered as well, which allows TV audio to be transferred to personal Bluetooth headphones. Finally, the M9500 also provides expanded mobile integration, letting users stream Blu-ray titles to their mobile devices, along with support for watching 360-degree mobile content through the player on the big screen. In addition to the company's new Ultra HD Blu-ray player, Samsung just launched its 2017 QLED Ultra HD TV lineup, with current sizes ranging from 55-inches to 75-inches. The displays use new metal quantum dot technology for improved colors and brightness. Outside of Samsung, Sony recently released its new UBP-X800 Ultra HD Blu-ray player. Likewise, Panasonic is prepping three new 2017 Ultra HD Blu-ray players, the DMP-UB400, UB310 and UB300; Oppo is readying the UDP-205; LG has the upcoming UP970; and Philips is prepping the BDP7502. Of the Ultra HD Blu-ray players announced so far, only the upcoming LG UP970, Philips BDP7502, and the recently released Oppo UDP-203 have confirmed plans for Dolby Vision support. Source: SamsungPosted Tue Mar 14, 2017 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Releases Trailer for 'Dave Chappelle: Two Cities, One Event,' Streaming Premiere Set for March 21[teaser]The famed comedian will hit the stage on Netflix later this month.[/teaser] Following an initial teaser, Netflix has released a full trailer for 'Dave Chappelle: Two Cities, One Event'. The upcoming never-before-seen comedy specials feature Dave Chappelle and are set to premiere through Netflix on March 21. In addition, Chappelle and director Stan Lathan are also set to produce a new original stand-up comedy special exclusively for Netflix. "Dave Chappelle is a legendary voice in comedy -- searing, vital, and now more than ever, essential," said Lisa Nishimura, VP of Original Documentary and Comedy. "Dave's three new specials promise to be some of the most anticipated events in comedy, and we are honored he will mark his global return on Netflix." The two upcoming never-before-seen specials come directly from Chappelle's personal comedy vault. Directed by Lathan and filmed at Austin City Limits Live and The Hollywood Palladium, these represent Chappelle's first concert specials in 12 years. Check out the trailer below! Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Iron Fist' on March 17, 'Grace and Frankie' season three on March 24, 'The Discovery' on March 31, '13 Reasons Why' on March 31, 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' on April 14, 'Sandy Wexler' on April 14, 'Girlboss' on April 21, 'Bill Nye Saves the World' on April 21, 'Dear White People' on April 28, 'Casting JonBenet' on April 28, 'Anne' on May 12, 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' season three on May 19, 'War Machine' on May 26, 'House of Cards' season five on May 30, 'Orange is the New Black' season five on June 9, 'Naked' on August 11, and 'Stranger Things' season two on October 31. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Tue Mar 14, 2017 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: 50th Anniversary Edition' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Sergio Leone's classic 1966 western will be getting a 50th anniversary edition later this year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino is preparing 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: 50th Anniversary Edition' for Blu-ray later this year. By far the most ambitious, unflinchingly graphic and stylistically influential western ever mounted, The Good The Bad And The Ugly is an engrossing action shot through with a volatile mix of myth and realism. Clint Eastwood returns as the "Man With No Name," this time teaming with two gunslingers to pursue a cache of $20,000-and letting no one, not even warring factions in a civil war, stand in their way. From sun-drenched panoramas to bold hard close-ups, exceptional camera work captures the beauty and cruelty of the barren landscape and the hardened characters who stride unwaveringly through it. Forging a vibrant and yet detached style of action that had not been seen before, and has never been matched since, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly shatters the western mold in true Eastwood style. The 2-Disc release will include 4K transfers of both the Theatrical and Extended Cuts, lossless audio, and supplements include: New Audio Commentary by Film Historian Tim Lucas (Theatrical); "Trailers From Hell" with Ernest Dickerson (Theatrical); M.O.S. Deleted Scene of Blondie in the desert finding skeletons (Theatrical); Trailers for Sergio Leone Westerns (Theatrical); Audio Commentary By Acclaimed Film Historian Richard Schickel (Extended); Audio Commentary By Noted Cultural Historian Christopher Frayling (Extended); Leone's West: Making Of Documentary (Extended); The Leone Style: On Sergio Leone Featurette (Extended); The Man Who Lost The Civil War: Civil War Documentary (Extended); Reconstruction The Good, The Bad And The Ugly (Extended); II Maestro: Ennio Morricone and The Good, The Bad And The Ugly Featurette (Extended); Deleted Scenes (Extended); Original U.S. Theatrical Trailer (Extended); and Original French Theatrical Trailer (Extended). You can find the latest specs for 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: 50th Anniversary Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Tue Mar 14, 2017 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Peter Bogdanovich's 'Saint Jack' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The drama starring Ben Gazzara is heading to Blu-ray later this month.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scorpion Releasing is preparing 'Saint Jack' for Blu-ray on March 28. Jack Flowers (Ben Gazzara) is a street savvy American living in Singapore. And like all Americans, Jack has a dream... to open the best whorehouse in Singapore. Of course a whorehouse doesn't come easy. It takes a lot of moves and a lot of hustle. But as Jack always says "People make love for so many crazy reasons... why shouldn't money be one of them"? The Limited Edition Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 2.0 soundtrack, and supplements will include: - Audio commentary with director Peter Bogdanovich- On-camera interview with Peter Bogdanovich- Brand new on-camera interview with producer Roger Corman- Reversible Coverart- Brand new on-camera interview with producer Roger Corman- Memories of Saint jack - interviews with cast and crew members- The Singapore Location of Saint Jack- Original trailer You can find the latest specs for 'Saint Jack' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 28.Posted Tue Mar 14, 2017 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Unveils Pricing and Availability for BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR TV Lineup, Prices Start at $5,000[teaser]Pre-orders are launching for the company's first OLED Ultra HD TV lineup.[/teaser] Sony has officially announced pricing and availability for its new BRAVIA OLED A1E Series TV lineup. The collection will be available in 55 inch, 65 inch, and 77 inch versions. "With over 10 years of OLED experience Sony is pleased to introduce the BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR TV, its first large screen consumer OLED television," said Kevin Brinkman, Director of Product Marketing, TV and Projectors, North America. "Our long experience with OLED technology, together with the new 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme, meant that this was the right time to return to the consumer OLED market. The A1E features a powerful mix of our exclusive image processing with a striking new design concept that is sure to make an impression in anyone’s home." The BRAVIA OLED A1E Series Ultra HD TVs feature Sony's 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme, the world's first Acoustic Surface sound system that produces audio directly from the screen itself, a unique, cutting-edge stand-less form factor design, and the Android TV platform. In addition, the display's OLED panel offers superior black levels and viewing angles over traditional LCD TVs. Likewise, the sets include HDR10, HLG (via firmware update), Dolby Vision (via firmware update), and TRILUMINOS color support. Here's a full rundown of models and pricing per Sony: - XBR-77A1E, 77” class (76.7” diagonal), TBD MSRP- XBR-65A1E, 65” class (64.5” diagonal), $6,499.99 MSRP- XBR-55A1E, 55” class (54.6” diagonal), $4,999.99 MSRP The new 55-inch and 65-inch A1E Series OLED 4K HDR TVs are now available for pre-order. Shipments are expected to begin in April. In addition to the OLED lineup, Sony also recently announced pricing and availability for its 2017 XBR-X800E, XBR-X850E, XBR-X900E and XBR-X930E/XBR-X940E series Ultra HD TVs. Source: SonyPosted Tue Mar 14, 2017 at 09:00 AM PDT by: -
Don Coscarelli’s 'The Phantasm Collection' New Blu-ray Supplements Revealed[teaser]The boxed set of all five 'Phantasm' films available on Blu-ray next month has now been fully detailed. [/teaser] As previously reported, Well Go USA is preparing 'The Phantam Collection' for Blu-ray, and now the official street date is April 11. One of the world’s most popular franchises in the history of horror, the Phantasm film series has terrified fans for generations. The collection features all five frightening films in the series – PHANTASM: REMASTERED (1979), PHANTASM II (1988), PHANTASM III: LORD OF THE DEAD (1994), PHANTASM IV: OBLIVION (1998) and the most recent installment PHANTASM: RAVAGER (2016). In all five films in Don Coscarelli’s iconic series, Mike (Michael Baldwin) faces off against a mysterious grave robber known only as the Tall Man (Angus Scrimm) and his lethal arsenal of terrible weapons. "Well Go USA has done an outstanding job in curating the ultimate Phantasm collection. This terrific new release rivals the best Blu-ray box sets ever in its size and depth," said Don Coscarelli. "I am so excited to share these never-before-seen features with our devoted fans, who will now be able to witness just how the Phantasm films were created in this stunning high-definition presentation." "This box set is the answer to every Phantasm fan's prayers," said Doris Pfardrescher, President & CEO, Well Go USA Entertainment. "The filmmakers have gone above and beyond in order to create the most immersive Phantasm experience possible in one comprehensive box set." 'Phantasm' - At a funeral, Mike (Michael Baldwin), watches as a tall mortician clad in black (Angus Scrimm) tosses the unburied coffin into a waiting hearse as if it were nothing. Seeking the truth behind this unusual sight, Mike breaks into the mortuary, where he comes face-to-face with the sinister Tall Man. After barely managing to escape with his life, Mike enlists the help of his brother, Jody (Bill Thornbury), and their friend Reggie (Reggie Bannister). Together they set out to uncover the secrets of the Tall Man and those who dwell in his hellish world. PHANTASM: REMASTERED has a runtime of approximately 98 minutes and is rated R for nudity, violence and intense scenes. 'Phantasm II' - Released after seven years in a mental hospital, Mike convinces his old pal Reggie to join forces with him to hunt down and destroy the Tall Man once and for all. Mike’s visions lead the two to a quiet little town where a horde of flying killer balls aim to slice and dice their gruesome way through everyone. Exploding with special effects, unparalleled thrills, horror and suspense, PHANTASM II climaxes with a blood-curdling conclusion that you have to see to believe. PHANTASM II has a runtime of approximately 97 minutes and is rated R. 'Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead' - The mutant dwarf creatures are attacking, the silver spheres are flying, and the Tall Man is back with a vengeance! Fifteen years after the original horror classic, writer/producer/director Don Coscarelli reunites brothers Mike (A. Michael Baldwin) and Jody (Bill Thornbury) to help their friend Reggie (Reggie Bannister) destroy the Tall Man (Angus Scrimm) once and for all. PHANTASM III: LORD OF THE DEAD has a runtime of approximately 91 minutes and is rated R for violence and gore, and for language and sexuality. 'Phantasm IV: Oblivion' - 13 years after the original nightmare began, Mike must cross dark dimensions of time and space to discover his origins and those of his nemesis, the evil Tall Man. With only his loyal friend Reggie at hisside, and the spirit of his dead brother to guide him, Mike must finally confront this malevolent embodiment of death. Prepare to be scared witless as the fine line between the living and the dead snaps with a vengeance! PHANTASM IV: OBLIVION has a runtime of approximately 90 minutes and is rated R for horror violence/gore and some strong language. 'Phantasm V: Ravager' - After battling with the Tall Man in Phantasm: Oblivion, a battered Reggie wanders through the desert in search of his missing friend, Mike. After recovering his 1971 Hemi ‘Cuda, Reggie is targeted by two of the Tall Man’s Sentinel Spheres and destroys them. He awakens suddenly to find himself sitting in a wheelchair pushed by none other than the elusive Mike! Although overjoyed by their reunion, Reggie is in this alternate dimension an aged and weary old patient in a psychiatric ward. And only he remembers their battled and bloodied past with the Tall Man. Reggie must travel between dimensions and discern what is reality in order to confront the mysteries at the heart of a decades-long struggle against evil. He is met with new and familiar faces along the way, and an epic showdown on the Tall Man’s home world awaits! PHANTASM V: RAVAGER has a runtime of approximately 86 minutes and is not rated. The 6-disc set will include loads of special features including audio commentaries, interviews, deleted scenes, behind the scenes featurettes, trailers, TV spots, radio spots, and “Phantasmagoria” a documentary containing new and archival interviews with cast and crew. New supplements include: Audio Commentary with writer/director Don Coscarelli, co-producer Paul Pepperman and visual consultant Roberto Quezada; Additional home movie footage; "Balls of Steel: Bob Ivy's Stunt for the Ages - The Phantasm III Car Stunt" – This featurette shows the planning and behind-the-scenes footage of the dangerous stunt performed in the film and includes recently rediscovered material; "It's Never Over: The Making of PHANTASM III: LORD OF THE DEAD" – This featurette includes interviews with Don Coscarelli, A. Michael Baldwin, Reggie Bannister, Bill Thornbury, Gloria Lynn Henry, Stuntman Bob Ivy, director of photography Christopher Chomyn, composer/sound designer Christopher L. Stone, sphere designer/mechanical effects artist Kerry Prior, special makeup effects designer Dean Gates and Production Assistant Kristen Deem; Audio Commentary with writer/director Don Coscarelli and editor Norman Buckley; Behind the Scenes Compilation; "Death is No Escape: The Making of PHANTASM IV: OBLIVION" – This featurette includes interviews with Don Coscarelli, A. Michael Baldwin, Reggie Bannister, Bill Thornbury, special makeup effects artist Gigi Bannister, stunt co-ordinator/actor Bob Ivy, director of photography Christopher Chomyn, composer/sound designer Christopher L. Stone, sphere designer/mechanical effects designer Kerry Prior, cameraman Justin Zaharczuk and special makeup effects artist Robert Kurtzman; Behind the Scenes Compilation; Phantasm sequels Conceptual Art Gallery by Justin Zaharczuk; "The Making of PHANTASM V: RAVAGER" featurette; Interview with actor A. Michael Baldwin; Interview with actress Kat Lester; Interview with actor Stephan Jutras; Behind the Scenes Promo with Angus Scrimm Tribute; Phantasm V Red Credit Sequence; "Phantasm and You" – a comic recap of the first 4 films by PHANTASM V: RAVAGER director David Hartman; Flashback Weekend Chicago Convention Panel Discussion (2008); Flashback Weekend Chicago Convention Cast Panel (2014); Flashback Weekend concert performance by Kat Lester; and 2016 Fantastic Fest Premiere and Q&A. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_dXuptog2yA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> You can find the latest specs for 'The Phantasm Collection' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 11.Posted Tue Mar 14, 2017 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deals: Up to 76% off Digital HDTV Antennas[teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select digital antennas![/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a sale on HDTV antennas from ViewTV, Primacc, 1byone, and OMorc. ViewTV HD Amplified Digital Indoor TV Antenna 50 Miles Range - Currently $19 (76% off). ViewTV HD Amplified Digital Indoor TV Antenna 60 Miles Range - Currently $25 (72% off). Primacc Ultra-Thin Digital HDTV Antenna, Indoor 50 Miles - Currently $19 (62% off). 1byone 50 Miles Amplified Digital Indoor TV Antenna - Currently $26 (59% off). 1byone HDTV Digital Antenna with 35 Miles Range - Currently $15 (59% off). OMorc 50 Miles Amplified Digital HDTV Antenna - Currently $19 (53% off). These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions!Posted Mon Mar 13, 2017 at 07:45 PM PDT by: -
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Hulu Expands Kids and Family Lineup with More Animated Shows[teaser]Three cartoons are being added to the platform.[/teaser] Hulu has announced new content licensing agreements to expand its collection of kids and family content. The deals include the exclusive SVOD rights to all episodes of 'Dot.' from The Jim Henson Company, along with the exclusive streaming rights to Disney XD's 'Counterfeit Cat' and 'Camp Lakebottom.' 'Dot.' is based on the book of the same title by New York Times best-selling author and tech expert Randi Zuckerberg. The technology-themed preschool series has been a top performing franchise on Sprout since its launch last fall. The series features Dot, an 8-year old inquisitive and exuberant tech-savvy girl who launches herself into adventures and fearlessly sets about solving problems – her own, her best friend’s or her best dog’s – in the same way any 8-year old would…by making mistakes and laughing even more along the way. All previous episodes of 'Dot.' will be available to stream through Hulu starting April 15. 'Camp Lakebottom' is an animated children’s series (ages 6-11) about 12-year-old prankster McGee, who was headed for an awesome summer at Camp Sunny Smiles when his bus took a wrong turn and landed him at old, run down and ridiculously spooky Camp Lakebottom. All past episodes of 'Camp Lakebottom' will be available to stream through Hulu starting April 8. 'Counterfeit Cat' follows the story of an unconventional friendship between a lazy, selfish house cat and an excitable, naive alien with a mysterious destiny and a homemade purple cat suit. All episodes of 'Counterfeit Cat' will hit Hulu on March 17. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Source: HuluPosted Mon Mar 13, 2017 at 04:45 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Preps 'Godzilla' Anime from Toho and Polygon Pictures[teaser]The legendary king of the monsters is stomping his way toward Netflix.[/teaser] Netflix has announced plans to stream a new 'Godzilla' anime. The upcoming animated title will first debut theatrically in Japan, followed by an exclusive worldwide streaming premiere through Netflix. "We are truly delighted to unveil Godzilla, which is the latest addition to our growing catalogue of Netflix original anime content", said Greg Peters, President, Netflix Japan. "Working with the best creators such as Toho in bringing Godzilla to Netflix users in over 190 countries marks a major milestone for us." The first-ever high quality animation of the iconic global monster franchise is set to offer an epic re-imagining of the Godzilla world of the future. To bring to life Godzilla's latest adaptation, Toho is working with leading Japanese anime studio Polygon Pictures (Knights of Sidonia, BLAME!), directors Kobun Shizuno (Knights of Sidonia, Detective Conan), and Hiroyuki Seshita (AJIN: Demi-Human, BLAME!) with a screenplay from acclaimed anime writer Gen Urobuchi (Psycho-Pass, Madoka Magika). "We're looking forward to bringing a spectacular entertainment experience for both existing fans of Godzilla and people new to the franchise", said Godzilla director, Kobun Shibuno. Director Hiroyuki Seshita added, "I'm thrilled to collaborate with two very talented colleagues, Mr. Gen Urobuchi and Director Kobun Shizuno to bring to life a unique vision of a universal human drama set in an epic world." Meanwhile, screenplay writer Gen Urobuchi added, "I am very honored to join this Godzilla project as one of its Japanese creators. I’m grateful for all the support and really excited to bringing this content to fans worldwide." The voice cast is set to include Yuki Kaji (Attack on Titan, AJIN: Demi-Human), Takahiro Sakurai (AJIN: Demi-Human, BLAME!), Tomokazu Sugita (Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure), Junichi Suwabe (Nodame Cantabile, Prince of Tennis), Kana Hanazawa (BLAME!, Psycho-Pass) and Mamoru Miyano (AJIN: Demi-Human, The Seven Deadly Sins). An exact streaming release date for the new 'Godzilla' anime has not been announced yet. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Iron Fist' on March 17, 'Grace and Frankie' season three on March 24, 'The Discovery' on March 31, '13 Reasons Why' on March 31, 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' on April 14, 'Sandy Wexler' on April 14, 'Girlboss' on April 21, 'Bill Nye Saves the World' on April 21, 'Dear White People' on April 28, 'Casting JonBenet' on April 28, 'Anne' on May 12, 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' season three on May 19, 'War Machine' on May 26, 'House of Cards' season five on May 30, 'Orange is the New Black' season five on June 9, 'Naked' on August 11, and 'Stranger Things' season two on October 31. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Mon Mar 13, 2017 at 12:30 PM PDT by: -
'Mr. Mom' Planned for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1983 comedy starring Michael Keaton and Teri Garr is headed for high-definition in 2017. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory has revealed 'Mr. Mom' will be available on Blu-ray later this year. Funnyman Michael Keaton (Beetlejuice) teams with Tootsie's Teri Garr in this "fresh and funny audience pleaser" (Boxoffice) that's all housework...and no pay! Jack and Caroline Butler (Keaton and Garr) are perfectly happy with their roles in life...until a layoff makes him a househusband and her a working wife! And while she wrangles with charts, graphs and an all-to-eager-to-be-wrangled boss, he has to contend with their hyper kids, a ravenous vacuum cleaner, an angry washing machine and an oversexed neighbor (Ann Jillian of TV's "It's A Living")! From late nights in the boardroom to lonely nights in the bedroom, the biggest challenge for both Jack and Caroline is learning to trust one another with their reversed roles...which they'd better do quickly...before Mr. Mom becomes Mr. Single Mom! No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Mr. Mom' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Mon Mar 13, 2017 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
