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Shout! Factory Announces Two More Bruce Lee Films for Blu-ray[teaser]Two Bruce Lee flicks will hit Blu-ray in May.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory is preparing 'Game of Death' and 'Return of the Dragon' for Blu-ray on May 16. 'Game of Death' - Billy Lo (Bruce Lee) is a young kung fu star with a promising career. As the leader of a syndicate known for its exploitation of entertainers, Dr. Land (Dean Jagger) jumps at the chance to capitalize on Billy's status and that of his singer girlfriend (Coleen Camp). Refusing to sign with Land, Billy's marital arts mastery is put to the test when he is brutally harassed by Land's men. In a stunning showdown, Billy must take on a group of martial arts masters in the final showdown. Tragically, Bruce Lee passed away during the production of the film. See this martial arts legend in his last role! 'Return of the Dragon' - Tang Lung (Lee) flies to Rome to help a friend of the family, Chen Ching-hua (Nora Miao). She is being threatened by local gangsters to sell her restaurant and they will stop at nothing to get the property. When Tang proves to be a treat to the syndicate's plans they hire the best martial artists to take out Tang Lung. In one of the film's most famous sequences, Bruce Lee takes on American martial arts expert Colt (Chuck Norris) in the ancient city's majestic Coliseum. This martial arts classic, also known as WAY OF THE DRAGON, is written and directed by Bruce Lee. Full specs and supplements have not been announced yet, but both films will feature 1080p video transfers sourced from new 4K scans and restorations. You can find the latest specs for 'Game of Death' and 'Return of the Dragon' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under May 16.Posted Thu Feb 9, 2017 at 12:30 PM PST by: -
Samsung Launches Pre-Orders for QLED Ultra HD TV Series, Prices Start at $2,500[teaser]The new 4K displays are now available for pre-order.[/teaser] Samsung has launched pre-orders for its QLED Ultra HD TV Series. The displays use new metal quantum dot technology for improved colors and brightness. In addition, the company has announced that the QLED TV lineup has received "100 Percent Color Volume" verification from world-class testing and certification association, Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE). "The '100 percent color volume' verification awarded to Samsung's QLED TV signifies the excellence of our product and its revolutionary picture quality. As the global TV market leader for 11 consecutive years, we are thrilled to be leading the TV industry into a world of Quantum dot-powered displays featuring the best available picture quality," said JongHee Han, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. The QLED series consists of the Q9, Q8, and Q7 Ultra HD TVs. The displays offer accurate reproduction of the DCI-P3 color space and are capable of presenting 100 percent color volume, allowing the TVs to produce all colors at any brightness level. In addition, QLED peak luminance is rated between 1,500 and 2,000 nits. These color and brightness performance improvements are a result of the displays' new metal quantum dot materials which can "express deep blacks and rich detail regardless of how light or dark the scene is, or whether the content is being played in a brightly lit or darkened room." Here's a full rundown of current Q8 and Q7 pre-order pricing: 55" Class Q7F QLED 4K TV - $2,500 65" Class Q7F QLED 4K TV - $3,500 75" Class Q7F QLED 4K TV - $6,000 55" Class Q8C Curved QLED 4K TV - $3,500 65" Class Q8C Curved QLED 4K TV - $4,500 Initial pre-orders are expected to ship in late February and early March. Pricing and availability for the flagship Q9 models have not been announced yet. Source: SamsungPosted Thu Feb 9, 2017 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
John Michael McDonagh's 'War on Everyone' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The crooked buddy cop comedy is planned for Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is working on 'War on Everyone' for Blu-ray on April 11. Terry (Alexander Skarsgård) and Bob (Michael Peña) are two crooked cops who frame and blackmail criminals all over town. Looking for the ultimate pay-off, they try to extort a strip-club manager (Caleb Landry Jones) and his eccentric, junkie boss (Theo James), but get more than they bargained for when their hair-brained scheme uncovers a bigger, darker secret. The Blu-ray will feature a 1080p transfer, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include Everyone Sounds Off: The Quirky Cast of War on Everyone. You can find the latest specs for 'War on Everyone' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 11. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Feb 9, 2017 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
VIZIO Adds HDR10 Support to Select E-Series SmartCast Ultra HD Displays[teaser]Select E-Series displays are getting high dynamic range support.[/teaser] VIZIO has announced a new firmware update for select E-Series SmartCast Ultra HD Displays. The update adds HDR10 playback support for existing HDR Ultra HD Blu-ray players from Samsung (UHD-K8500) and Philips (BDP7501/F7), along with PS4 and Xbox One S game consoles. "The E-Series collection already stands out as a feature-rich entry-level option, packed with picture quality benefits typically reserved for higher-priced, more premium collections," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "By offering the added benefit of HDR10 compatibility on select VIZIO SmartCast E-Series Ultra HD displays, we're giving even more consumers the ability to enjoy the benefits of High Dynamic Range content in their living rooms." VIZIO's E-Series Ultra HD displays feature Full-Array LED panels with up to 12 Active LED Zones. Additional features include Clear Action 240 technology, an ultra-fast 120Hz Effective Refresh Rate, VIZIO's Spatial Scaling Engine, and VM50 Ultra HD Engine for 4K upscaling. Likewise, the displays include support for the VIZIO SmartCast app on iOS and Android devices. Instead of jumping between apps, VIZIO SmartCast lets users search and browse content by genre across multiple apps at once directly on their tablets or smartphones. A standard IR remote control is included as well. Here's a full rundown of E-Series models eligible for the HDR10 firmware update: VIZIO SmartCast™ 55” E-Series™ Ultra HD Home Theater Display™ (E55-E1) MSRP $629.99 VIZIO SmartCast™ 55” E-Series™ Ultra HD Home Theater Display™ (E55-E2) MSRP $629.99 VIZIO SmartCast™ 60” E-Series™ Ultra HD Home Theater Display™ (E60-E3) MSRP $749.99 VIZIO SmartCast™ 65” E-Series™ Ultra HD Home Theater Display™ (E65-E0) MSRP $899.99 VIZIO SmartCast™ 65” E-Series™ Ultra HD Home Theater Display™ (E65-E1) MSRP $899.99 VIZIO SmartCast™ 70” E-Series™ Ultra HD Home Theater Display™ (E70-E3) MSRP $1,299.99 The HDR10 update will automatically be downloaded to supported E-Series displays once they have been connected to the internet. To enable HDR10 playback after the display has been updated, users need to open the VIZIO SmartCast remote control app, tap "Settings," press "Inputs," then "HDMI Color Subsampling," and then enable subsampling for the HDMI port the HDR-enabled Blu-ray player is connected to. VIZIO is also working to expand HDR10 playback support for additional players as they become available in the market. In addition to the E-Series, VIZIO's SmartCast Ultra HD lineup also includes the M-Series and P-Series with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support. Source: VIZIO via PR NewswirePosted Thu Feb 9, 2017 at 09:30 AM PST by: -
Hulu Updates VR App with New Social Features for Gear VR and Oculus Rift[teaser]New features have been added to the Hulu VR app.[/teaser] Hulu has announced an update for its Virtual Reality app for the Oculus Rift and Samsung Gear VR. The upgrade includes new support for avatars, touch controllers, and Oculus Rooms. With the Hulu VR app, users can enjoy Hulu content through an immersive virtual reality experience, offering access to the company's entire 2D library of content in 360 immersive virtual environments -- allowing viewers to watch programming in settings like a comfortable living room, a big screen theater, or a scenic beach. And the new update allows Gear VR and Oculus users to watch content together with their friends in the virtual environments through the Oculus Rooms feature. Likewise, the update also adds support for Avatars and Oculus Touch controllers with the Oculus Rift, allowing customers to interact with their VR environments while playback continues and customize their appearance. In addition, the app includes access to a growing collection of 360 degree videos and exclusive VR content, placing audiences right in the middle of the action. Currently the app offers more than 30 pieces of exclusive and premium content from Baobab Studios, Discovery Communications, Las Vegas, The National Geographic Channel, RYOT, Showtime Networks, SilVR Thread, Spoke, Studio Transcendent, The Uprising Creative and Viacom with or without a subscription. Likewise, the library includes Hulu's first original VR short film, 'The Big One.' The short was produced through a partnership with Lionsgate and invites users to witness a meteor shower that soon turns into an apocalyptic nightmare. In addition to the Gear VR and Oculus Rift, the Hulu VR app is also available through the PlayStation VR and Google Daydream. A current Hulu subscription starts at $8 per month with commercials. In addition, ad-free playback is available for $12 per month. Source: Hulu (Twitter) via EngadgetPosted Thu Feb 9, 2017 at 07:30 AM PST by: -
Netflix Debuts Trailer for 'Bill Nye Saves the World,' Streaming Premiere Set for April 21[teaser]The upcoming science themed talk show will start streaming in April. [/teaser] Netflix has released a trailer for its latest original series, 'Bill Nye Saves the World.' The talk show will be hosted by scientist, engineer, comedian, author, and inventor, Bill Nye. "Since the start of the Science Guy show, I've been on a mission to change the world by getting people everywhere excited about the fundamental ideas in science," said Bill Nye. "Today, I'm excited to be working with Netflix on a new show, where we'll discuss the complex scientific issues facing us today, with episodes on vaccinations, genetically modified foods and climate change. With the right science and good writing, we'll do our best to enlighten and entertain our audience. And, perhaps we'll change the world a little." Bill Nye – science guy, educator, mechanical engineer, and curator of curiosity – returns with a new show. Each episode of Bill Nye Saves the World tackles a specific topic or concept through lively panel discussions, wide-ranging correspondent reports from a crackerjack team, and Bill’s very special blend of lab procedure and sly personality. Check out the trailer below! 'Bill Nye Saves the World' will start streaming through Netflix on April 21. The series is being produced for Netflix by Bunim/Murray Productions with Gil Goldschein and Julie Pizzi serving as Executive Producers. Michael Naidus ('The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson') is on board as showrunner and Executive Producer. Likewise, Mike Drucker is listed as Head Comedy Writer and Phil Plait will serve as Head Science Writer. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'David Brent: Life on the Road' on February 10, 'I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore' on February 24, a new Amy Schumer comedy special on March 7, 'Love' season two on March 10, 'Iron Fist' on March 17, 'The Discovery' on March 31, '13 Reasons Why' on March 31, 'Sandy Wexler' on April 14, 'House of Cards' season five on May 30, 'Orange is the New Black' season five on June 9, 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 Thu Feb 9, 2017 at 06:30 AM PST by: -
'Silicon Valley: The Complete Third Season' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The third season of the HBO series is planned for Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, HBO is working on 'Silicon Valley: The Complete Third Season' for Blu-ray on April 11. Season 3 of Silicon Valley, the hit HBO series that "…nails both palpable tension and biting humor" (Entertainment Weekly), is set to make its Home Entertainment debut this spring. Season 3 of the series was its most-nominated season to date, garnering 11 Emmy nominations including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (Thomas Middleditch). Boasting a 100% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Silicon Valley: The Complete Third Season will feature all ten Season 3 episodes and hilarious deleted scenes. From Mike Judge and Alec Berg comes a new season of the Emmy-nominated comedy that takes viewers inside Silicon Valley's high-tech gold rush: a land of big ideas and bigger egos. After last season's shocking ending, which found Pied Piper celebrating legal victory just as Richard (Thomas Middleditch) was ousted as CEO, Season 3 picks up where we left off, with Richard offered the diminished role of CTO and the rest of his team – Erlich (T.J. Miller), Jared (Zach Woods), Dinesh (Kumail Nanjiani) and Gilfoyle (Martin Starr) – facing the question of just how far their loyalty extends. With a new no-nonsense CEO hell-bent on transforming everything from Pied Piper's offices to its business agenda, the guys must find a way to triumph in the war of Art vs. Commerce, maneuvering the many competing interests along the way. You can find the latest specs for 'Silicon Valley: The Complete Third Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 11. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Feb 9, 2017 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Panasonic Announces Technics Grand Class SB-G90 Floor-Standing Speaker[teaser]The new premium speaker is designed to deliver excellent clarity and audio precision.[/teaser] Panasonic has detailed its new Technics branded Grand Class SB-G90 Floor-Standing Speaker. The model builds upon the linear-phase, point sound source speaker system, offering a wide sound field. The floor-standing speaker features Balanced Driver Mounting Architecture to help reduce distortion and unwanted vibrations. In addition, the unit uses newly developed two-way coaxial cone units (including mid-range and tweeter). The 25-mm phase precision tweeter and two 16-cm low-distortion, long-stroke woofers are capable of sound reproduction in a wide frequency range of 27 Hz to 100 kHz. Here's a full rundown of key specs and features per the press release: Emotive Acoustic Technology - Balanced Driver Mounting Architecture - Point Sound Source Speaker System - Wide Range & Low Distortion Reproduction - Phase Precision Driver (Coaxial 2-way Speaker Unit) - 16-cm Low Distortion Long Stroke Woofer - High Rigidity Cabinet - High Quality Network Circuit Technics Definitive Design - Black High Gloss Finish - Magnet Fixed Fabric Grille Dimension (W x H x D) - 302 x 1114 x 375 mm (11-7/8 x 43-27/32 x 14-3/4 Inch) *Including Net and Terminals with Spike Weight - Approx. 32kg (Approx. 71lbs) /pc System - 3-Way 4 Speakers Bass Reflex (Including Coaxial 2-Way for Midrange and Tweeter) - Speaker Unit: Woofer: 16cm (6-1/2") Cone Type x2 Midrange/Tweeter: Coaxial, 16cm (6-1/2") Cone Type x1 / 2.5cm (1") Dome Type x1 - Crossover Frequencies: 480Hz, 3.2kHz - Frequency Range: 27Hz - 100kHz (-16dB), 32Hz - 85kHz (-10dB) - Sound Pressure Level: 88dB /2.83V (m) - Impedance: 4Ω - Input power (IEC): 100W (Rated), 200W (Max) - Recommended Amp. Power: 40-150W (Rated) Pricing and availability for the Grand Class SB-G90 Floor-Standing Speaker have not been announced yet. Source: Panasonic via PR NewswirePosted Thu Feb 9, 2017 at 05:30 AM PST by: -
George Romero and Dario Argento's 'Two Evil Eyes' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The 1990 horror film will return to the high-definition format this year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scorpion Releasing is working on 'Two Evil Eyes' for Blu-ray later this year. The masters of modern horror – George Romero and Dario Argento – bring you an unprecedented pair of shockers inspired by the tales of Edgar Allan Poe. In Romero's 'The Facts In The Case Of Mr. Valdemar', a conniving wife (Adrienne Barbeau of 'The Fog') and her lover use a hypnotic trance to embezzle a fortune from her dying husband, only to receive some chilling surprises from beyond the grave. Then in Argento's 'The Black Cat', a deranged crime scene photographer (Harvey Keitel of 'Reservoir Dogs') is driven to brutal acts of madness and murder by his girlfriend's new pet. But will this cunning feline deliver a final sickening twist of its own? No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Two Evil Eyes' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Wed Feb 8, 2017 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Barry Jenkins' 'Moonlight' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]The award-winning drama will arrive on Blu-ray later this month.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'Moonlight' for Blu-ray on February 28. A timeless story of human connection and self-discovery, Moonlight chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami. Anchored by extraordinary performances from a tremendous ensemble cast, Moonlight is profoundly moving portrayal of the moments, people, and unknowable forces that shape our lives and make us who we are. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: - Audio Commentary with Director Barry Jenkins- "Ensemble of Emotion: The Making of Moonlight" Featurette- "Poetry Through Collaboration: The Music of Moonlight" Featurette- "Cruel Beauty: Filming in Miami" Featurette Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Moonlight' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 28. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Feb 8, 2017 at 10:00 AM PST by: