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Bluetooth 5 Spec Officially Launches, Offers Improved Wireless Performance for Connected Devices[teaser]The latest Bluetooth spec has been adopted.[/teaser] The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has announced the official launch of the Bluetooth 5 core specification. Performance updates include a longer range, faster speeds, larger broadcast message capacity, and improved interoperability and coexistence with other wireless tech, ensuring an advance Internet of Things (IoT) experience. "Bluetooth is revolutionizing how people experience the IoT. Bluetooth 5 continues to drive this revolution by delivering reliable IoT connections and mobilizing the adoption of beacons, which in turn will decrease connection barriers and enable a seamless IoT experience," said Mark Powell, Executive Director of Bluetooth SIG. The Bluetooth 5 spec offers four times the range, two times the speed, and eight times the broadcast message capacity over the previous Bluetooth spec. This means that Bluetooth 5 connections can now cover larger areas like whole homes and buildings with more reliable connections, provide faster speed for more responsive, high performance devices, and send more data. In addition, the new spec has also been optimized to reduce potential interference with other wireless technologies. Likewise, the new spec still maintains Bluetooth's low energy functionality and developer flexibility. "The global wireless connectivity market is growing rapidly, with an anticipated 10 billion annual IC shipments by 2021," said Andrew Zignani with ABI Research. "The introduction of Bluetooth 5 will create new opportunities in various verticals of the IoT market by reducing complexity and cost and giving manufacturers greater flexibility in targeting multiple applications and use cases." Specific products with Bluetooth 5 support have not been announced yet, but the first devices with Bluetooth 5 are expected to arrive within the next two to six months. Source: BluetoothPosted Thu Dec 8, 2016 at 10:45 AM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Holiday Movie Round-Up - Part 2: The Top 10 Modern Classics[teaser]The Golden Age of Hollywood produced a blizzard of classic Christmas fare, but the modern era - what I classify as films made after 1970 - has spawned some gems, too.[/teaser] A splash of irreverence is the most notable addition to this contemporary crop of holiday movies, but despite their audacity, most of these entries still embrace the season's core values - home, faith, family, and goodwill. Even the wildest comedies can turn on a dime and bring a tear to the eye, which is why these 10 modern yuletide classics always merit a spin during the lead-up to Santa's annual arrival. #10 - 'Die Hard' (1988) The holidays can be stressful, so sometimes you just need to release those pent-up aggressions. And what better way to do it than watch über-cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) take on - and take out - a band of violent European thieves who ruthlessly hijack an office Christmas party atop the sky-high Nakatomi Plaza in L.A. McClane uses his street smarts and a fair amount of ingenuity to try and outwit the gang's deliciously nasty and oh-so-suave ring leader, Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), and their bloody game of cat and mouse remains terrifically entertaining. Yippee-ki-yay, Santa Claus! #9 - 'Scrooged' (1988) 'A Christmas Carol' has been adapted many times in many ways, but never quite like this. Director Richard Donner's modern take on Charles Dickens' age-old tale is decidedly edgy and a bit mean-spirited, but dark humor and Bill Murray's broad portrayal of a Scrooge-like TV executive who has no regard for his overworked and abused employees sets this version apart from its traditional cousins. A first-rate supporting cast that includes Karen Allen, John Forsythe, John Glover, Alfre Woodard, Bobcat Goldthwait, Carol Kane, and Robert Mitchum supplies additional cheer, as do a host of cameos by such colorful characters as Jamie Farr, Buddy Hackett, Robert Goulet, Mary Lou Retton, John Houseman, Lee Majors, and Anne Ramsey. #8 - 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' (1989) "When Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse." So proclaims Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), patriarch of the looney Griswold family, and in this third installment of the popular 'Vacation' series, they conquer Christmas with unvarnished - and often hilarious - vigor. Countless holiday traditions are lampooned, including chopping down the tree, hanging the light display, intruding relatives, and family dinners, and though the jokes don't always hit the bullseye, they come at a breathless pace. Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, Randy Quaid, and many others file appropriately wacky portrayals, all of which make the Griswold Christmas one to remember. #7 - 'Love Actually' (2003) Ah romance. It's sweet, messy, misguided, emotionally draining, exasperating, and euphoric, and this perky ensemble piece examines it from every angle as it spotlights an assortment of odd couplings across the pond during the holiday season. The British accents add some sophistication, but the warm feelings the film spreads are universal (although I will never forgive Alan Rickman for what he does to poor Emma Thompson!). The awkwardly charming Hugh Grant makes an unlikely British Prime Minister and Bill Nighy makes a gloriously goofy rock star, but somehow all the pieces of this bizarre puzzle end up snugly interlocking. And with a cast that includes Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Laura Linney, and Rowan Atkinson, among many others, this is an infectious brew indeed. #6 - 'A Christmas Carol' (1984) If you read my Top 10 List of Classic Holiday Films, you'll know my favorite adaptation of Charles Dickens' spooky yuletide novella is the 1951 British version starring Alastair Sim. And while the reputation of that venerable movie remains stellar, many viewers (and critics) cite this made-for-television film starring George C. Scott as the definitive edition. And it's easy to see why. Scott completely embraces Scrooge, adding marvelous shadings that make his portrayal unique; the script faithfully adheres to the book; location shooting in England enhances the Victorian atmosphere; and a fine supporting cast that includes David Warner and Susannah York complements Scott without overshadowing him. TV movies usually lack the gravitas of big screen productions, but the tale's intimacy works in this version's favor and helps set it apart from its theatrical cousins. #5 - 'The Santa Clause' (1994) Forget the two sugary sequels. The original film that spawned the franchise still has whimsy, spunk, and charm to spare. Tim Allen winningly portrays Scott Calvin, a divorced dad who benevolently fills in for Santa one Christmas Eve after the jolly old elf falls off his roof and vanishes. But by putting on the red furry garb and circling the Earth to distribute gifts, Scott unwittingly accepts "the Santa clause," and must assume those weighty duties forevermore. Dealing with this burden while trying to manage his young son (Eric Lloyd) and placate his ex-wife (Wendy Crewson) and her new husband (Judge Reinhold) forms the crux of this wholesome comedy, which effortlessly spreads holiday cheer. #4 - 'Elf' (2003) Holiday movies should always make you smile, and 'Elf' keeps a grin plastered on your face from beginning to end, thanks to Will Ferrell's wide-eyed, wondrous, and completely beguiling portrayal of Buddy the Elf. Accidentally whisked to the North Pole as an infant, Buddy is raised by Santa's elves (Bob Newhart is a hoot as his adopted elf dad), but as he matures, his giant size makes him an anomaly, and when he learns of his human heritage, he decides to seek out his biological father (James Caan), a grumpy, unscrupulous New York publisher who's on Santa's dreaded naughty list. Watching the naive, impressionable Buddy navigate the Big Apple's rampant cynicism and try to fit into a foreign society - and family - is loads of fun, and a touch of romance, a bit of music, and lots of Christmas warmth make this breezy comedy a perennial favorite. #3 - 'The Muppet Christmas Carol' (1992) If Mickey Mouse and Mr. Magoo can take a stab at Dickens' classic, then why not Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the lovable Muppet gang? Michael Caine makes an appropriately dour, remorseful, and ultimately giddy Scrooge (in other words, he plays it straight) in this delightful - and surprisingly faithful - hybrid adaptation, which seamlessly merges the Muppet and human worlds. Moments of requisite Muppet hilarity and several infectious songs by Paul Williams temper the emotional and inspirational story, and make this version of 'A Christmas Carol' arguably the most family-friendly of any in film history. Just ask my kids…all of whom are now in their 20s and still find time to watch this movie every year. #2 - 'A Christmas Story' (1983) Though the nostalgia of 'A Christmas Story' keeps getting further and further away from us, its depiction of family and social dynamics, incisive character portraits, and cavalcade of wacky episodes remain timeless and make this rollicking and irreverent comedy an annual must-see. Who can forget little Ralphie's dogged pursuit of his Christmas beacon, a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model air rifle? Or the excruciating moment when his buddy sticks his tongue to a frozen flagpole? What about the leg lamp wearing a fishnet stocking that arrives at the Parker home, and the Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant? Adapted from humorist Jean Shepherd's stories and starring Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon, and the inimitable Peter Billingsley, this 1940s-era slice of Americana hits all the right notes and reminds us Christmas is unique to every family and can be as special as we choose to make it. #1 - 'Home Alone' (1990) If you have a family and love your kids, 'Home Alone' will hit you in the heart. Sure, the sadistic slapstick episodes in which bungling burglars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern get burned, pummeled, and tarred and feathered by their pint-sized, cute-as-a-button, and oh-so-resourceful adversary, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), make the Road Runner's treatment of the Coyote seem humane. Yet beneath all the cartoonish hijinks lies a sweet Christmas comedy that's endearing, identifiable, and emotional. Chris Columbus' film is also laugh-out-loud funny and flaunts a heaping helping of holiday cheer, thanks to a festive setting and plenty of classic yuletide tunes. The premise - a frantic mom and dad (Catherine O'Hara and John Heard) accidentally leave their youngest child home alone as they embark on a family Christmas trip to Paris - seems outlandish, but somehow the John Hughes script makes it plausible, and the ensuing mayhem, laced with a few thoughtful messages about hope, courage, and faith, never gets old. With quotable lines, spirited performances (John Candy's cameo as a Polka band leader is terrific), and energy and warmth galore, 'Home Alone' is hands-down our favorite modern Christmas classic.Posted Thu Dec 8, 2016 at 10:20 AM PST by: -
'Firestarter: Collector's Edition' Blu-ray Dated[teaser]The film has received a new 2K transfer and will be available on Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory is preparing 'Firestarter: Collector's Edition' for Blu-ray on March 14. She has the power to set objects afire with just one glance! Firestarter, based on the unforgettable best-seller by esteemed horror author Stephen King, chronicles the extraordinary life of Charlene "Charlie" McGee. Eight-year-old Drew Barrymore stars as the child who has the amazing ability to start fires with just a glance. Can her psychic power and the love of her father save her from the threatening government agency, "The Shop," which wants to control her… or destroy her? Filled with blazing special effects and featuring an all-star cast including Martin Sheen, Heather Locklear, Art Carney, Louise Fletcher and George C. Scott, Firestarter is directed by Mark L. Lester (Class of 1999, Commando) and driven by a pulsating, thrilling score from Tangerine Dream (Legend, Sorcerer, Risky Business). No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Firestarter: Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 14.Posted Thu Dec 8, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Rémi Chayé's 'Long Way North' Blu-ray Supplements Detailed[teaser]The bonus features for the acclaimed 2015 animated film coming to Blu-ray in January have now been revealed. [/teaser] As previously reported, Shout Factory is working on 'Long Way North' for Blu-ray on January 17. Long Way North is set in the late 19th century Saint Petersburg. Sacha, a young girl from the Russian aristocracy, dreams of the Great North and anguishes over the fate of her grandfather, Oloukine, a renowned scientist and Arctic explorer who has yet to return from his latest expedition to conquer the North Pole. Sacha has always been fascinated by the adventurous life of her grandfather and has the same calling as Oloukine to be an explorer. But Sacha's parents, who already made arrangements for her marriage, strongly disapprove the idea to say the least. Defying her destiny, Sacha flees her home and launches an adventure-filled quest toward the Great North in search of Oloukine and his ship. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Conceptual Pilot; Behind-the-scenes featurette; Interview with director Rémi Chayé and producer Henri Magalon; Still Galleries – Character Design & Concept Art; and Animated Storyboards. You can find the latest specs for 'Long Way North' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 17. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Dec 8, 2016 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Patrick Durham's 'Cross Wars' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The action-fantasy starring Brian Austin Green, Vinnie Jones, and Danny Trejo arrives on Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is working on 'Cross Wars' for Blu-ray on February 7. Straight from the comics to the mean streets of Los Angeles…armed with a powerful ancient Cross amulet, Callan (Brian Austin Green) and his team of weapons experts battle local thugs and heinous criminals. When a ruthless villain named Muerte (Danny Trejo) threatens to kill Callan’s crew, he and his team join forces with an all-girl crime-fighting squad led by Riley -- who has an ancient amulet of her own! But Muerte is not working alone. He has resurrected the evil immortal Gunnar (Vinnie Jones) who has a plan more sinister than anyone can imagine. Can Callan prevent the looming apocalypse and save humanity? It’s enough to make a superhero all stressed out. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Commentary with Director Patrick Durham and Executive Producer Gary T. Williams; and Alternate Credits. You can find the latest specs for 'Cross Wars' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 7.Posted Thu Dec 8, 2016 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Tim Burton's 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]All three releases will hit stores next week. [/teaser] In a rather late announcement, 20th Century Fox will bring 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' to Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on December 13. From visionary director Tim Burton, and based upon the best-selling novel, comes an unforgettable motion picture experience. When Jake discovers clues to a mystery that spans alternate realities and times, he uncovers a secret refuge known as Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As he learns about the residents and their unusual abilities, Jake realizes that safety is an illusion, and danger lurks in the form of powerful, hidden enemies. Jake must figure out who is real, who can be trusted, and who he really is. Each release will feature a lossless 7.1 soundtrack (Dolby Atmos on the Ultra HD Blu-ray) and supplements include: The Peculiar Story – Join author Ransom Riggs and the cast & crew as they discuss how this best-selling series was brought to life; The Peculiars – Meet the cast in this behind-the-scenes piece, including 15 character pods; Hollows And Ex-Hollows – Explore the role of the Hollows, led by Barron (Samuel L. Jackson,) and the process of creating these ferocious creatures; Map Of Days – Miss Peregrine's Home & Blackpool Tower; "Wish That You Were Here" – Florence + The Machine Music Video; and Gallery – Never-Before-Seen Sketches by Tim Burton and Photographs. You can find the latest specs for 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 13. Order the Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Wed Dec 7, 2016 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
Paramount Preps 'Allied' for Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The drama starring Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard is coming to Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount is preparing 'Allied' for Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray. In 1942, an intelligence officer in North Africa encounters a female French Resistance fighter on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. When they reunite in London, their relationship is tested by the pressures of war. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is 48.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Allied' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Dec 7, 2016 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Mira Nair's 'Queen of Katwe' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The inspirational drama based on a true story will arrive on Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Disney is preparing 'Queen of Katwe' for Blu-ray on January 31. 'Queen of Katwe' is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl (Madina Nalwanga) from the streets of Uganda whose world changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. It is a remarkable story of perseverance against all odds that will leave viewers feeling humbled and inspired. According to director Mira Nair, "The triumph of the human spirit is not to weep for what we don't have but to focus on what we do have and allow that to take us to a place we never imagined possible." Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: - Queen Of Katwe: Their Story – Discover the stories behind the people who came together to bring the film to life, and how they reflect the vibrant community, culture and spirit it celebrates.- A Fork, A Spoon & A Knight – Director Mira Nair's short film about Robert Katende, a boy who grows up to transform a Ugandan city into a globally renowned chess sanctuary.- In The Studio With Alicia Keys – Go behind-the-scenes with Alicia Keys for an inspiring look at the song's recording.- Alicia Keys "Back To Life" Lyric Video – Sing along with on-screen lyrics.- Young Cardamom & HAB "#1 Spice" Music Video – The Ugandan hip-hop duo bring the flavor in a music video directed by Mira Nair.- Audio Commentary – With Director Mira Nair.- Deleted Scenes (8) – With Introductions by Director Mira Nair. You can find the latest specs for 'Queen of Katwe' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under January 31. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Dec 7, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Dolby Exceeds 2,000 Dolby Atmos Enabled Cinema Screens & 500 Released Movie Titles[teaser]The immersive audio format continues to expand to more theaters and films.[/teaser] Dolby has announced two milestones for its Atmos audio technology, including the installation of 2,000 Dolby Atmos enabled cinema screens and the release of 500 movie titles mixed in Dolby Atmos. The object-based surround sound format first debuted in 2012 with the release of Disney•Pixar's 'Brave.' "When Brave was released in 2012, Dolby Atmos enabled us to bring audiences into the rich and fantastic world of Merida through their execution of previously inaccessible soundscapes," said Mark Andrews, writer and director of Disney•Pixar’s Brave. "Dolby Atmos enables our creatives at Pixar to tell stories with sound, taking audiences across new dimensions of entertainment. As one of the first to use Dolby Atmos, we have witnessed this platform’s steady growth and value as an essential element for the next-generation filmmaker." Dolby Atmos object-based audio allows filmmakers to precisely place and move effects anywhere in a three-dimensional space, creating an immersive surround sound experience with overhead audio. The technology is also a part of Dolby Cinema, which incorporates the Dolby Vision laser projection system to deliver high dynamic range images with expanded colors and enhanced contrast. Currently, there are more than 50 Dolby Cinema locations around the globe. "Dolby has made its mark on what consumers can expect from a powerful sound experience, and Dolby Atmos continues to shape the future of entertainment for any environment," said Curt Behlmer, Senior Vice President of Content Solutions and Industry Relations, Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby Atmos is considered the preferred sound format by many who look to deliver the best in sound to the cinema, in the home, or on the go, and the possibilities are endless." In addition to theatrical exhibition, Dolby Atmos is also used in home theater, PC, mobile devices, video games, and virtual reality. More than 20 titles are now available through streaming-service providers like Vudu; more than 150 titles on Blu-ray Disc have a Dolby Atmos soundtrack; more than 60 percent of the Ultra HD Blu-ray titles released so far include the format; more than 75 AVR and home-theater-in-a-box (HTiB) products are available; more than 45 sound bar and speaker models by more than 20 speaker manufacturers are on the market; more than 35 mobile devices support Dolby Atmos; three games include Dolby Atmos support on PC; and gaming consoles will soon support Dolby Atmos for Blu-ray. "By breaking the link between sound design and specific speaker layout, Dolby Atmos has really opened up the creative use of sound to deliver more immersive entertainment experiences," said Avi Greengart, Research Director for Consumer Platforms and Devices, Current Analysis. Source: DolbyPosted Wed Dec 7, 2016 at 08:30 AM PST by: -
'Right Now, Wrong Then' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]The award-winning South Korean film directed by Sang-soo Hong is coming to Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Grasshopper Film is preparing 'Right Now, Wrong Then' for Blu-ray on March 28. Quite by accident, a film director arrives in town a day early. With time to kill before his lecture the next day, he stops by a restored, old palace and meets a fledgling artist. She’s never seen any of his films, but knows he’s famous. They talk. And together, they go to her workshop to look at her paintings, have Sushi and Soju. More conversation follows, and drinks, and then an awkward get-together with friends where all sorts of secrets are revealed. All the while, they may or may not be falling for each other. Then, quite unexpectedly, we begin again, but now things appear somewhat different. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Right Now, Wrong Then' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under March 28.Posted Wed Dec 7, 2016 at 08:00 AM PST by:
