-
Disney's 'Moana' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D[teaser]The animated feature starring the voices of Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson will arrive on both formats in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Disney/Buena Vista is working on 'Moana' for Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D on March 7. Continuing the fun-filled adventure, families can continue their journey filled with hours of extensive and entertaining bonus offerings including: a new, hilarious mini-movie featuring Moana and Maui; an in-depth look at how the people, cultures and heritage of the Pacific Islands shaped the story of "Moana;" revealing Q&A with co-stars Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, and famed animation directors Ron Clements and John Musker; insider access to Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina and Opetaia Foaʻi, the trio behind the film's moving music; four mini-documentaries highlighting the movie's groundbreaking effects; deleted scenes; a deleted song; hidden Easter Eggs; music video; "Inner Workings," the theatrical short film directed by Leo Matsuda that spotlights the internal struggle between a man's Brain and Heart; and much, much more. According to directors Ron Clements and John Musker, the story of "Moana" was inspired by the great explorers who masterfully navigated the vast Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. "Voyaging is a real source of pride for many Pacific Islanders, a part of their identity," says Clements. Many experts believe that about 3,000 years ago, those deep-sea exploratory voyages halted for about a millennium before resuming. This rebirth of exploration sparked the filmmakers' imaginations, and the heroine at the heart of the story. "The idea of a teenage girl who dreamed of becoming a navigator—considering the abilities of her ancestors—was so appealing," explains Musker. Moana's quest to become a wayfinder also serves as a journey of self-discovery, empowering her to find her own identity – a beautiful and powerful message for audiences of all ages and genders. The releases will feature 1080p video, lossless 7.1 soundtracks, and supplements include: Theatrical Short Film: "Inner Workings" – With introduction by the filmmakers, is the story of the internal struggle between a man's pragmatic, logical side and his free-spirited, adventurous half. Created by a small team at Walt Disney Animation Studios in a unique, fast-paced style that blends CG and traditional hand-drawn animation, the short explores the importance of finding balance in daily life; Maui Mini-Movie: "Gone Fishing" – When Maui decides it's time to take charge of the ocean and catch his next meal, Moana must show him the error of his ways … with a little help from her friends! Voice of the Islands – An in-depth look at how Pacific Island people and cultures inspired the filmmakers to create the story of "Moana"; Things You Didn't Know About … Meet the stars of "Moana" in this dynamic Q&A featuring Dwayne Johnson, newcomer Auli'i Cravalho, and famed animation directors Ron and John. Meet the musical team behind "Moana" in this fascinating Q&A featuring Opetaia Foa'i, Mark Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda; Island Fashion – Find out how costume designer Neysa Bové took on the unique challenge of creating costumes using materials and techniques native to the islands of Oceania; They Know the Way: Making the Music of "Moana" – Musicians Opetaia Foa'I, Marc Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda take us on a personal journey through their involvement in the movie and how it changed their lives; Fishing for Easter Eggs – Dive deep into the ocean and fish for the Easter Eggs hidden by the animators at Walt Disney Animation Studios; The Elements of … – This series of four mini-docs explores the technical achievements behind some of the ground-breaking effects used in the film; Deleted Song: "Warrior Face" – With introduction by songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda; Deleted Scenes – Ron and John introduce the following deleted scenes: Race the Wind/Ties that Bind; Discussing Moana's Future; Under the Sea; Grandmother's Warning/Legend of Maui; Education of Moana; Father, Daughter, Boat; and Canoe Race; Music Video: "How Far I'll Go" – Performed by Alessia Cara; "How Far I'll Go Around the World" – Multi-language reel of the song "How Far I'll Go"; and Audio Commentary – With directors Ron and John. You can find the latest specs for 'Moana' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 7. Order the Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-rayPosted Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
'Veep: The Complete Fifth Season' Planned for Blu-ray[teaser]The fifth season of HBO's political satire series is headed to Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, HBO says 'Veep: The Complete Fifth Season' will hit Blu-ray on April 11. Season 5 of the acclaimed comedy series created by Armando Iannucci finds Selina Meyer in the midst of a virtually unprecedented Electoral College tie – with her future as President coming down to only a few hundred votes. Selina finds herself spinning her wheels in D.C. as her staff continues their mission to make her seem presidential (even though she is the President) while fending off the ambitions of her charismatic Vice Presidential running mate who, through an obscure constitutional procedure, could end up being President. Veep continues to prove that in Washington, even the most banal decisions can have ripple effects – with unexpected and often hilarious consequences. The fifth season of Veep, the first with showrunner and executive producer David Mandel (Curb Your Enthusiasm) at the helm is "one of its strongest and most creative seasons yet" (TV Insider). The series features an acclaimed ensemble cast including Emmy winner Tony Hale, Emmy nominee Anna Chlumsky, Reid Scott, Matt Walsh, Timothy C. Simons, Sufe Bradshaw, Kevin Dunn, Gary Cole and Sam Richardson. The 10-episode Veep: The Complete Fifth Season will include a free digital download copy of the full season, plus exclusive new bonus content containing more than 30 minutes of hilarious deleted scenes and entertaining audio commentaries from cast and crew including Julia-Louis Dreyfus, Tony Hale, Reid Scott, Timothy Simons, David Mandel and more! You can find the latest specs for 'Veep: The Complete Fifth Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 11. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Netflix Unveils Trailer for 'iBoy' Starring Maisie Williams, Streaming Premiere Set for January 27[teaser]The new sci-fi flick will start streaming later this month.[/teaser] Netflix has released a trailer for its latest original film, 'iBoy.' The movie comes from director Adam Randall and is set to premiere through Netflix on January 27 Tom is an average teenager whose world is turned on its head when a violent encounter with local thugs leaves fragments of his shattered smartphone embedded in his brain. He wakes from a coma to discover that returning to normal teenage life is impossible because he has developed a strange set of superpowers. With these new powers he sets out to seek revenge on the gang, who also assaulted his best friend Lucy. The film stars Bill Milner, Maisie Williams, Miranda Richardson, and Rory Kinnear Check out the official trailer below! Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Frontier' on January 20, 'David Brent: Life on the Road' on February 10, a new Amy Schumer comedy special on March 7, and 'Iron Fist' on March 17. 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: Netflix (YouTube)Posted Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 07:30 AM PST by: -
JVC Details New 4K e-Shift4 Projector Lineup with HDR Support[teaser]Six new custom installation projectors have been announced.[/teaser] JVC has revealed its latest lineup of 4K e-Shift4 projectors geared toward the custom installation market. The 2017 collection includes the Procision Series DLA-X970R, DLA-X770R, and DLA-X570R, and the Reference Series DLA-RS620, DLA-RS520, and DLA-RS420. The new projectors feature improved brightness thanks to their updated optics, 265W high-power lamp, and D-ILA device. Likewise, the lineup's flagship models offer an industry-leading native contrast ratio of 160,000:1. In addition, the units include high dynamic range support for HDR10 and Hybrid Log-Gamma formats, along with two full speed 18Gbps HDMI inputs with HDCP 2.2. Though not capable of projecting in native 4K resolution, the projectors' eShift4 tech allows them to create 4K (3840x2160) images by shifting pixels diagonally 0.5 pixels at a rate of up to 120 Hz, multiplying the resolution. Finally, the devices also offer 1080p 3D playback and a new low latency mode for improved gaming performance. Here's a full rundown of key specs for each model per the press release: MODEL DLA-X970R/RS620 DLA-X770R/RS520 DLA-X570R/RS420 Brightness* 2,000m 1,900lm 1,800lm Contrast Ratio Dynamic 1,600,000:1 1,300,000:1 400,000:1 Native 160,000:1 130,000:1 40,000:1 e-shift4 Technology Yes Full Speed 18Gbps HDMI/HDCP2.2 (Both Inputs) Yes HDR (High Dynamic Range) Yes Resolution 3840×2160 Precision (1,920×1,080 in 3D mode) THX Certified/ISF c3 Licensed Yes N/A Projection Display Size 60 inch - 200 inch (diagonal) JVC's DLA-X570R/RS420 ($3,999.95), DLA-X770R/RS520 ($6,999.95), and DLA-X970R/RS620 ($9,999.95) will be available this month. Outside of the new 4K e-Shift4 projectors, JVC also recently announced THX 4K Display Certification for its DLA-RS4500 projector. The projector features a native 4096 x 2160 4K D-ILA Device, a brightness level of 3000 lumens, 20,000 hours of operational life, support for screen sizes over 200 inches. HDR playback, and wide color gamut support for 100 percent DCI P3 and over 80 percent coverage of BT.2020. The JVC DLA-RS4500 4K projector will be available this month for a suggested retail price of $34,999.95. Source: JVCPosted Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 06:30 AM PST by: -
'Miss Hokusai' Blu-ray Announced and Detailed[teaser]The animated feature film will be getting the high-definition treatment in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal says 'Miss Hokusai' will arrive on Blu-ray on March 7. As all of Edo flocks to see the work of famed artist Hokusai, his daughter O-Ei toils diligently, creating the paintings sold under her father's name. Shy in public, in the studio O-Ei is brash and uninhibited. Seeking to come into her own as an artist, O-Ei sets out into the bustling city of Edo (present-day Tokyo), where she encounters spirits, dragons, con men and traders. The combo pack will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include a making-of documentary and trailers. You can find the latest specs for 'Miss Hokusai' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 7. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Studio Ghibli's 'Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter' Heads to Amazon Prime Video on January 25[teaser]The new original kids series will start streaming later this month.[/teaser] Amazon has announced a January 25 premiere date for its newest family show, 'Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter.' The animated series is based on the children's book by Astrid Lindgren and comes from Studio Ghibli. "We're thrilled to be collaborating with Studio Ghibli on their first television series, excited to have the talented Gillian Anderson narrate, and proud to bring Astrid Lindgren's well-loved novel to life," said Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios. "We look forward to sharing this incredible story of love, family and friendship with our customers." Ronja, the Robber's Daughter is an epic 26-part story of 10-year-old Ronja (Teresa Gallagher), born on a stormy night in a mountain fort, surrounded by her father (Rufus Hound), mother (Morwenna Banks) and a loving band of robbers. She grows to be a strong girl, and discovers that the forest is both a beautiful and frightening place inhabited by strange creatures. She befriends Birk (Kelly Adams), the son of her father’s rival, and so begins the drama of her friendship and family loyalties. Viewers follow along as she explores and understands these key factors in her life, and discovers that seemingly irresolvable choices can finally be made with the help of love and understanding. Check out the trailer below! "With Ronja, the Robber's Daughter, Astrid Lindgren seems to be telling children to believe in their own power to grow, whilst telling adults to learn more from children," said Director Gorō Miyazaki. "Mutual respect will attain freedom in the true sense of the word." The series is directed by Gorō Miyazaki ('Up on Poppy Hill,' 'Tales from Earthsea') and will feature narration from Gillian Anderson ('The X-Files'). 'Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter' is set to premiere through Prime Video in the US and UK on January 27. 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 Mon Jan 16, 2017 at 05:30 AM PST by: -
Sydney Pollack's 'The Yakuza' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The 1974 crime thriller starring Robert Mitchum will be getting the high-definition treatment in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Archive is preparing 'The Yakuza' for Blu-ray next month. Former private eye Harry Kilmer knows a lot about Japan - and the gangsters who keep an iron grip on its gambling, prostitution and protection rackets. He knows there's a right way to approach the brutal underworld. And he knows there's one thing powerful mobsters respect: greater power. Robert Mitchum is Kilmer in this haunting East-meets-West-head-on thriller powered by a team of heavy Hollywood hitters: writers Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver) and Robert Towne (Chinatown) and director Sydney Pollack (The Interpreter). Co-starring Japan's Takakura Ken and veteran character actor Brian Keith. The Yakuza is a modern film noir in which honor and loyalty become issues of life and death. Violence erupts with the speed of a Tokyo-bound bullet train. And the last thing to die is tradition. Specs have yet to view revealed, but supplements include: Audio Commentary by Director Sydney Pollack; Promises to Keep - Featurette; and Theatrical Trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'The Yakuza' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Fri Jan 13, 2017 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'They're Playing with Fire' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The 1984 thriller is planned for Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino is working on 'They're Playing with Fire' for Blu-ray on March 28. Drive-in goddess and '80s action queen Sybil Danning (of Chained Heat and Reform School Girls fame) stars as a lusty college professor who seduces a naive student (Eric Brown of Private Lessons) as part of a sordid plot to frame him for the murder of her wealthy in-laws. But in a world of passion, deceit, cheesy rock ballads and awesome Danning nudity, not everything is what it seems to be. Andrew Prine (Grizzly, The Centerfold Girls), Paul Clemens (The Beast Within) and Alvy Moore (Green Acres) star in this deliciously sleazy mix of sex and violence that Mr. Skin hails as "one of the weirdest entries in the genre, combining hormone-farce antics with slasher movie elements and, of course, Sybil's sumptuous sacks!" The release will feature a BRAND NEW HD master and supplements include: NEW Interview with star Sybil Danning; Original Theatrical Trailer; and Trailer Gallery. You can find the latest specs for 'They're Playing with Fire' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 28.Posted Fri Jan 13, 2017 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Mercy Street: Season 2' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The second season of the PBS drama is planned for Blu-ray next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, PBS says 'Mercy Street: Season 2' will be available on Blu-ray on February 14. Executive produced by Ridley Scott (The Martian, Gladiator, Thelma and Louise and The Good Wife); David W. Zucker (The Good Wife and The Man in the High Castle) of Scott Free; Lisa Q. Wolfinger (Desperate Crossing, the untold story of the Mayflower) and David Zabel (ER), the series follows the doctors, nurses and soldiers, as well as free, enslaved and contraband African Americans and other residents of the war-torn city, as they navigate the new world emerging from the most cataclysmic event in our country's history. Mercy Street Season 2 picks up directly from the dramatic events at the end of the first season finale, continuing to explore life in the chaotic city of Alexandria, the complicated interpersonal dynamics of Dr. Foster, Nurse Mary and the Mansion House staff, the increasingly precarious position of the Green family and the changing world of the burgeoning black population. The second season will introduce a number of new elements, taking the viewer closer to the war and into the halls of Confederate power, all set against the intensifying war, starting with the Seven Days' Battle and culminating with Antietam. The new season also delves deeper into the lives of newly freed African Americans, exploring - among other areas - life in a contraband camp, where formerly enslaved African Americans are forced to confront horrific living conditions and disease, but also get a glimpse of freedom. You can find the latest specs for 'Mercy Street: Season 2' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under February 14. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Jan 13, 2017 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
.jpg)
DISH Launches DTS Play-Fi Multi-Room Music Support for Hopper DVRs[teaser]Multi-room music support is coming to Hopper DVRs.[/teaser] DISH has announced the launch of DISH Music. The new feature brings multi-room music support powered by DTS Play-Fi tech to Hopper DVRs. "The Hopper is capable of serving as a household's comprehensive entertainment hub," said Niraj Desai, DISH vice president of product management. "Incorporating DTS Play-Fi technology into our offerings provides DISH customers with a premium whole-home music streaming option, in addition to the television experience they already love, at no additional cost." With DISH Music, Hopper DVR owners can now sync music throughout their homes. The feature supports content from several popular streaming sources, including iHeartRadio, Pandora, TIDAL, Deezer, Napster, and Amazon Music, enabling users to enjoy multi-room music through TV audio systems connected to a Hopper 2 DVR, Hopper 3 DVR, or Joey client. DISH Music allows Hopper DVRs and Joeys to become music streaming zones that are controllable through Android and iOS mobile devices or directly from an app on the set-top boxes. Users can then choose to sync the same music across multiple rooms, or play different tracks in each zone. In addition, DISH Music can also wirelessly pair with DTS Play-Fi-enabled speakers connected to the same wireless network. DISH Music is rolling out to customers now, and support for all Hopper 2 and Hopper 3 DVRs is expected to arrive by February 2017. In addition to the new multi-room music feature, DISH also recently announced plans to add Amazon Alexa compatibility to its Hopper 3 DVR. With Alexa support, users will be able to voice control their set-top boxes through a paired Amazon Echo or Echo Dot. Alexa support is expected to arrive on DISH's Hopper 3 DVRs during the first half of this year. Source: DISHPosted Fri Jan 13, 2017 at 07:30 AM PST by:
