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Amazon Sets February 24 Premiere Date for 'Patriot' Starring Michael Dorman & Terry O’Quinn[teaser]The upcoming one-hour series will start streaming later this month.[/teaser] Amazon has announced a premiere date for its latest original show, 'Patriot.' The series comes from Steven Conrad ('The Secret Life of Walter Mitty'), and is set to debut exclusively through Prime Video the US, UK, Germany and Austria on February 24. "As smart, compelling and contradictory as the world it portrays, Steve Conrad's Patriot is an incredible comedic drama about the world of modern intelligence," said Joe Lewis, Head of Comedy and Drama, Amazon Studios. "Told skillfully and artfully, Steve and the incredible cast have made something truly unique and we can’t wait to bring it to customers soon." Starring Michael Dorman (Wonderland), Emmy winner Terry O’Quinn (Lost), Kurtwood Smith (That 70’s Show) and Michael Chernus (Orange is the New Black), Patriot follows the complicated life of intelligence officer John Tavner (Dorman). His latest assignment is to prevent Iran from going nuclear, requiring him to forgo all safety nets and assume a perilous "non-official cover"—that of a mid-level employee at a Midwestern industrial piping firm. A bout with PTSD, the Federal government’s incompetence and the intricacies of keeping a day job in the “front” industrial piping company cause a barrage of ever-escalating fiascos that jeopardize Tavner’s mission. Other upcoming Amazon premieres include 'Long Strange Trip' on May 26. In addition, Amazon has also recently renewed 'Mozart in the Jungle,' 'Red Oaks,' 'Sneaky Pete,' and 'The Man in the High Castle' for new seasons. Likewise, the streaming service has announced a new series titled 'Britannia' for 2017, started development on 'Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan,' ordered a 13 episode documentary series called 'American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story,' announced an additional docuseries titled 'Novak' about tennis player Novak Djokovic, revealed plans to develop a series inspired by 'The Departed,' renewed 'Catastrophe' for a third and fourth season scheduled for 2017 and 2018 respectively, renewed 'One Mississippi' for a second season, greenlit a limited series based on the novel 'Good Omens,' and ordered new shows from Matthew Weiner and David O. Russell. 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. Source: AmazonPosted Wed Feb 1, 2017 at 08:30 AM PST by: -
Tom Ford's 'Nocturnal Animals' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]The thriller starring Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal will arrive on Blu-ray in February.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing 'Nocturnal Animals' for Blu-ray on February 21. Academy Award nominees Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal star in this haunting romantic thriller from acclaimed writer/director Tom Ford (A Single Man). Susan (Amy Adams) is living through an unfulfilling marriage when she receives a package containing a novel manuscript from her ex-husband, Edward (Jake Gyllenhaal). The novel is dedicated to her but its content is violent and devastating. Susan cannot help but reminisce over her past love story with the author. Increasingly she interprets the book as a tale of revenge, a tale that forces her to re-evaluate the choices that she has made, and reawakens a love that she feared was lost. Also starring Armie Hammer and Michael Shannon, Nocturnal Animals is a thriller of shocking intimacy and gripping tension. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: The Making of Nocturnal Animals. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Nocturnal Animals' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 21. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Feb 1, 2017 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Curated Foreign Language Streaming Dramas Head to US Through Walter Presents[teaser]The streaming platform is expanding to the US.[/teaser] Walter Presents has announced plans to launch its streaming service in the United States. The curated ad-free SVOD platform offers access to a variety of foreign dramas. "For years America has led the way with a string of iconic titles to become the undisputed home of great TV drama," said Walter Iuzzolino, co-founder and curator of Walter Presents. "But the rest of the world hasn't stood still. Inspired by the quality of the very best U.S. drama, countries all over the globe are now producing extraordinary TV series, unforgettable stories which are becoming global smash hits. I am excited at the chance to introduce U.S. viewers to this TV treasure trove." The service comes from UK’s Channel 4 and Global Series Network (GSN), and provides users access to a curated subscription-video-on-demand library of award-winning, top rated, exclusive and original first-run drama series from around the world. A US launch is set for March and will include 34 series available to view from 12 different countries with high-quality customized sub-titling. In addition, the platform will continue to debut two new shows every month. Here's a rundown of shows set to make their US premiere through Walter Presents: 'Valkyrien' - The new, hit Norwegian thriller set in an illegal, underground hospital where a desperate surgeon agrees to treat patients from the criminal underworld, in return for secret facilities that may help cure his dying wife. 'Spin' - Billed as the French ‘House of Cards’ this multi award-winning, hit political thriller explores the intense rivalry between two spin doctors, the seasoned master (Bruno Wolkowitch) and his protége (Grégory Fitoussi). When the President is killed, the former friends become fierce competitors, each backing a different political candidate, when a snap election is called. Walter Presents is set to launch in the US in March through a variety of platforms and at WalterPresents.com for $7 per month. Source: Walter PresentsPosted Wed Feb 1, 2017 at 07:30 AM PST by: -
Netflix Reveals Trailer for 'I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore,' Streaming Premiere Set for February 24[teaser]Filmmaker Macon Blair's directorial debut will hit Netflix later this month.[/teaser] Netflix has released a trailer for its latest original film, 'I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore.' The movie stars Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood. From the producers of Kelly Reichardt's 'Certain Women' and Jeremy Saulnier's 'Green Room' comes the story of Ruth (Melanie Lynskey), a nursing assistant suffering through a crisis of existential despair. But when her house is burglarized, Ruth discovers a renewed sense of purpose in tracking down the thieves. Accompanied by her obnoxious martial-arts-enthusiast neighbor Tony (Elijah Wood), they soon find themselves dangerously out of their depth against a pack of degenerate criminals. Written and directed by Macon Blair ('Blue Ruin,' 'Green Room') in his directorial debut, with a distinctive look courtesy of cinematographer Larkin Seiple ('Swiss Army Man,' 'Cop Car'), the film also stars David Yow, Jane Levy, Devon Graye, Christine Woods, Robert Longstreet, Lee Eddy and Gary Anthony Williams. Check out the official trailer below! 'I Don't Feel at Home in This World Anymore' is set to start streaming through Netflix on February 24. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Santa Clarita Diet' on February 3, 'David Brent: Life on the Road' on February 10, 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, and 'House of Cards' season five on May 30. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping two new comedy specials from Chris Rock, new seasons of 'Chelsea,' 'Lady Dynamite,' and 'Real Rob,' the second season of 'Stranger Things' for 2017, the third season of 'Bloodline' for 2017, new episodes of the documentary series 'Making a Murderer,' 'Bill Nye Saves the World' for 2017, Marvel's 'The Punisher,' Marvel's 'The Defenders,' a second season of 'Luke Cage,' Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It,' a feature film adaptation of the manga 'Death Note,' the final season of 'Longmire' for 2017, a new series called 'Atypical,' Duncan Jones' 'Mute,' the South Korean disaster film 'Pandora' for 2017, the Scandinavian thriller 'The Rain' for 2018, and a new series based on 'Lost in Space' for 2018. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Wed Feb 1, 2017 at 06:30 AM PST by: -
Bruno Mattel's 'Guardian of Hell' Headed for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1981 horror flick is making its way to the high-definition format in the coming months. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Severin says 'Guardian of Hell' will arrive on Blu-ray later this year. When a brutal series of murders plague a convent, a priest is brought in to investigate the tragedies, as well as exorcise any evil spirits. As the remaining nuns become increasingly disturbed, he must wonder is this the work of a psychopath, or that of the devil. Bruno Mattei (Hell of the Living Dead & Shocking Dark) and Claudio Fragasso (Zombie 3) unite once again to ensure this "nunsploitation"/possession tale rises above the rest with a cast starring Franca Stoppi (Buio Omega & Blade Violent) and Carlo De Mejo (Contamination & City of the Living Dead). NEW MASTER. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Guardian of Hell' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Wed Feb 1, 2017 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
CBS All Access Releases New 'Star Trek: Discovery' Teaser as Production Commences[teaser]The new behind-the-scenes teaser offers a quick look at the show's sets and costumes.[/teaser] CBS All Access has announced the start of production for its new streaming series, 'Star Trek: Discovery.' And to mark the occasion, the network has revealed a brief behind-the-scenes teaser via the Star Trek YouTube channel. Star Trek, one of the most iconic and influential global television franchises, returns to television 50 years after it first premiered with STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. The series will feature a new ship, new characters, and new missions, while embracing the same ideology and hope for the future that inspired a generation of dreamers and doers. Check out the behind-the-scenes teaser below! 'Star Trek: Discovery' stars Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Michelle Yeoh, Anthony Rapp, Chris Obi, Shazad Latif, Mary Chieffo, and James Frain. While a launch date has not been revealed yet, the series is set to air a special premiere episode on the CBS Television Network. Following that initial broadcast, all first run episodes of the show will be available exclusively through the CBS All Access streaming platform in the US. In addition, the series will stream globally (outside of the US and Canada) through Netflix. CBS All Access offers next day streaming for new episodes of many popular shows and a library of over 8,500 on demand episodes, including content from current programs like 'Elementary' and classic series like 'Cheers.' Likewise, customers in more than 150 markets across the US -- including New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia -- can watch live local CBS broadcasts through the app. The service is available in two subscription plans: reduced commercials for $5.99 per month or commercial-free for $9.99 per month. The commercial free option offers ad-free playback of on demand content and upcoming original shows. With that said, live streaming will still include the same commercials found in standard over-the-air broadcasts. The service is currently available through the Xbox One, PS4, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote, Roku players, Roku TVs, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox 360, and Windows 10, iOS and Android products. New customers can sign up for a one week free trial now at https://www.cbs.com/allaccess. Source: CBS All AccessPosted Tue Jan 31, 2017 at 04:45 PM PST by: -
Comcast Launches Xfinity TV App Beta for Roku Devices[teaser]Select Roku products now offer beta access to the Xfinity TV app.[/teaser] Roku and Comcast have announced a beta release of the Xfinity TV App for select Roku devices. The app offers Comcast subscribers access to Xfinity programming through their streaming media players. With the Xfinity TV app for Roku devices, Xfinity customers can now watch live and on demand Xfinity content through their Roku home products, including local broadcast channels, Public Educational channels, and Governmental channels, as well as their cloud DVR recordings. In addition, the app offers an immersive guide with a rich interface, personalized recommendations, and detailed information for tens of thousands of movies and TV shows. As beta testing continues, users will be able to use the Xfinity TV Roku channel while Comcast works to improve performance, features, and functionality in anticipation for an official launch. The beta app is now available on Roku TV models and all recent Roku players, including the Roku Express, Roku Express+, Roku Streaming Stick (model 3600), Roku Premiere, Roku Premiere+, Roku Ultra, Roku 4 (model 4400), Roku 3 (model 4230 and 4200), and Roku 2 (model 4210). Likewise, support for more Roku players will be added throughout the beta and later as part of the official launch. The Xfinity TV beta app is now available on supported Roku devices through the Roku channel store. After the beta trial, Comcast plans to officially launch the app later this year. In addition to the new Xfinity TV channel, Roku also recently updated its mobile app. The new Android and iOS mobile app includes an updated look, improved navigation, a new "What's On" tab, and more. Source: ComcastPosted Tue Jan 31, 2017 at 04:15 PM PST by: -
Adam Rifkin's 'Psycho Cop Returns' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The 1993 horror sequel is planned for Blu-ray later this year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Vinegar Syndrome is preparing 'Psycho Cop Returns' for Blu-ray later this year. Joe Vickers is not your normal police officer. A crazed cop turned serial killer, he's ready to bust anyone who violates the law with the ultimate penalty: death. A group of co-workers decide to hold an after-hours bachelor party in their high-rise office tower for one of their own. Unfortunately for them, Psycho Cop overhears their plans to include illegal drugs and hookers. When Psycho Cop crashes the party the fun and the screams really begin with something old, something new, someone bloody and the man in blue! FULLY UNCUT. NEW MASTER. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Psycho Cop Returns' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Tue Jan 31, 2017 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
High-Def Digest Essentials: January 2017Every month, dozens of Blu-rays hit shelves, littering stores with High-Def temptation. New releases, catalog titles, complete TV seasons, and elaborate box-sets all vie for attention, and with so many worthy releases targeting our wallets, choosing which discs to spend our hard earned cash on can be rather tricky. To make things a little easier, we here at High-Def Digest thought it might be helpful to bring you our top three must own recommendations for the month. From important classics to contemporary blockbusters, these are the discs that we consider to be the absolute cream of the crop. High quality releases with great video, audio, and supplements, these are the Blu-rays that are truly worth every penny. Last month we spotlighted a classic Hollywood heist flick, a miracle on the Hudson, and a bittersweet comedy. Be sure to check out the Essential Picks for November 2012, December 2012, January 2013,February 2013, March 2013, April 2013, May 2013, June 2013, July 2013, August 2013, September 2013, October 2013, November 2013, December 2013, January 2014, February 2014, March 2014, April 2014, May 2014, June 2014, July 2014, August 2014, September 2014, October 2014, November 2014,December 2014, January 2015, February 2015, March 2015, April 2015, May 2015, June 2015, July 2015, August 2015, September 2015, October 2015, November 2015, December 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, September 2016, October 2016, November 2016, and December 2016. [teaser]For January, we're covering a quintessential screwball comedy, a harrowing disaster film, and a delicate animated adventure.[/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there are some SPOILERS for the discs listed. If you only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in January, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'His Girl Friday' - Fully emphasizing the "quick" in quick wit, Howard Hawks' 'His Girl Friday' just might be one of the sharpest Hollywood rom-coms ever made. Practically overflowing with rapid-fire dialogue and a never-ending barrage of verbal spars, the film turns the act of conversation into a genuine cinematic art form. A quintessential screwball comedy, the flick is guaranteed to have you quoting lines for days. That is, if you can manage to keep up with it. Marked by playfully antagonistic chemistry between stars Rosalind Russell and Cary Grant, the movie plops viewers into the fast-paced world of news, pitting a former reporter against her ex-husband (and ex-editor) as he tries to woo her back to the job (and away from her new fiancé). This leads to a humorously escalating game of quips, scheming, and romance -- all mixed in with a breaking news story focused on an escaped death row inmate (lots of gallows humor ensues, literally). Throughout it all, director Howard Hawks expertly stages the comedy, frequently using long takes to allow the back-and-forth dialogue to breathe and build uninterrupted as multiple characters talk over one another while sharing the same frame. This all comes to a head in the film's brilliant final act, which sees the ensemble coalesce in a single location as the script's screwball hijinks come to a head. And beyond speedy jokes, the flick also offers some solid observations about media ethics and gender dynamics, presenting its female lead not just as an object of desire for the movie's male star, but as a genuine equal. Hell, she may even be his superior. Fun, breathlessly paced, and tinged with a faintly dark edge, 'His Girl Friday' remains surprisingly relevant and its rapid-fire humor hasn't aged a day. A defining Hollywood comedy and a genuine classic, this is an essential must own title. Buy the Blu-ray 'Deepwater Horizon' - Over the course of his career, director Peter Berg has gradually cemented himself as one of the industry's more capable purveyors of bombastic entertainment, often bringing a welcomed sense of nuance and cohesion to his big-screen spectacles. With 'Deepwater Horizon,' Berg continues this trend, grounding the film's harrowing action through a thoughtful adaptation of a real life disaster. Respectful and thrilling, the runtime packs engaging substance into every heart-pounding explosion. Using a simple grade-school lesson as a means of quickly and efficiently explaining the basics of offshore drilling, Berg wastes no time thrusting us into the story. Likewise, the director does a great job of economically establishing the cast of characters through the workers' everyday banter on the rig, offering a sense of their daily lives as the movie's mounting pace continually builds toward an inevitable burst. And when all hell does eventually break loose, the film erupts into a visceral, hand-held explosion of controlled cinematic chaos, giving thrilling form to the protagonists' harrowing plight without every fully crossing into overblown sensationalism. Don't get me wrong, Berg's quick cutting, high-octane approach occasionally skirts the line toward excess, but the director manages to keep us invested in the characters while simultaneously providing a decent examination of the greedy business motivations and careless safety priorities that led to the disaster. Serving as a slightly more refined alternative to the over-the-top bravado of a typical Michael Bay flick, 'Deepwater Horizon' offers a powerful account of the 2010 oil rig explosion, broaching its real life subject matter with gripping style. Add in a strong video transfer, a few worthwhile special features, and a 5-star Dolby Atmos audio mix, and this Blu-ray release easily earns a spot on this month's list of top titles. Buy the Blu-ray Buy the Ultra HD Blu-ray 'Long Way North' - When it comes to visual storytelling, sometimes, less is actually more. Even in animation. And Rémi Chayé's beautifully understated 'Long Way North' is a perfect example. Marked by a minimalist aesthetic, the movie eschews hyper-detailed imagery in favor of a more stripped down and concentrated style, weaving a bittersweet adventure focused on engaging characters and delicate mood. Through Sasha's determined journey to find her missing grandfather, the filmmakers take viewers on a perilous seafaring expedition to the North Pole. And though the movie is home to a few exciting set pieces along the way, the overall tone and rhythms of the piece veer toward a decidedly subtle, methodical, and realistic air, eliciting drama from evolving character interactions and genuinely life-threatening stakes. Indeed, while the film is still perfectly suitable for family audiences, the material bears a delicately mature nature, layering the simple story with gentle pangs of tragedy and inspiration. And to complement the modest yet emotional storytelling, the movie employs a deceptively striking minimalist hand drawn animation style which, despite the exceedingly simple character designs and occasionally stiff movements, is capable of evoking surprisingly potent emotions through thoughtful compositions, deliberate pacing, and key lighting/color choices. With its sobering conclusion, 'Long Way North' blends loss and hope into an affecting tale about perseverance, growth, and finding one's way in life. Fueled by elegantly staged simplicity, the film's humble animation style enhances the character-driven storytelling, filling the screen with unassuming beauty and emotion. And thankfully, this Blu-ray preserves the movie's unique style well, offering a nice technical presentation along with a solid assortment of supplements -- helping the disc plant its flag as the last title on January's Essentials. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this January, those are our top three must own recommendations. We'll be back next month with three more essential picks, but for now, what do you think of our selection? What are your choices for January's must own titles?Posted Tue Jan 31, 2017 at 10:10 AM PST by: -
Paul Nicholas' 'The Naked Cage' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The 1986 action drama also known as 'Wild Cage' is coming to high-definition in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scream Factory is working on 'The Naked Cage' for Blu-ray on May 2. From the director of Chained Heat comes a new tale of survival behind bars! Michelle (Shari Shattuck, Arena) is young and pretty… and in prison for someone else's crime. Soon, the naive newcomer is making enemies in all the wrong places. Diane, a kinky warden, wants to maneuver Michelle into her plush private "pleasure room." The sadistic guard wants to pay her a visit in solitary confinement. And a ruthless, psychotic fellow inmate just wants to see her dead. As a full-blown cell block riot explodes around her, Michelle plunges into a desperate, deadly confrontation with the treacherous foe that can prove her innocence – or destroy her life! No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'The Naked Cage' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 2.Posted Tue Jan 31, 2017 at 10:00 AM PST by:
