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VIZIO SmartCast P-Series Ultra HD Home Theater Display Selected as CES 2017 Innovation Awards Honoree[teaser]The company's flagship Ultra HD HDR display series has been chosen as a CES Innovation Honoree.[/teaser] VIZIO has announced that its P-Series Ultra HD display (full review here!) has been named a CES 2017 Innovation Awards Honoree. Entries are judged by a panel of independent industrial designers, independent engineers, and members of the trade media to recognize outstanding design and engineering in consumer electronics. "We're thrilled to have the VIZIO SmartCast P-Series named as a CES 2017 Innovation Awards honoree," said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The VIZIO SmartCast app, Tablet Remote and slew of advanced picture quality technologies truly is an innovative development for us. The goal of P-Series was to bring home entertainment into the mobile era and we're proud the collection has been recognized by CTA for its advancement of the category." The CES Innovation Awards are sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association, the group responsible for the upcoming CES 2017 trade show. Honorees are judged on their engineering, aesthetic and design qualities, intended use/function, user value, unique/novel features, and how they compare to other products in the marketplace. VIZIO's P-Series displays feature Ultra HD Full-Array LED panels with up to 128 Active LED Zones. Likewise, the displays offer HDR10 and Dolby Vision support for enhanced brightness and contrast in supported content -- including select streaming titles from VUDU and Netflix. In addition, the screens boast Ultra Color Spectrum for a wider color gamut. The sets also feature Chromecast built-in and include a 6-inch Android Tablet Remote preinstalled with the VIZIO SmartCast app. Instead of jumping between apps, VIZIO SmartCast lets users search and browse content by genre across multiple apps at once. The VIZIO SmartCast app is also available for download to iOS and Android smartphones or tablets, allowing customers to control any VIZIO SmartCast device from nearly any mobile device, from anywhere in the home. The VIZIO SmartCast P-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display lineup is now available for purchase. In addition, the series will be displayed at CES 2017 on January 5-8 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Source: VIZIO via PRNewswirePosted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 08:00 PM PST by: -
Amazon Debuts Trailer for 'Mozart in the Jungle' Season 3, Streaming Premiere Set for December 9[teaser]The curtain will rise again on the New York Symphony Orchestra in December.[/teaser] Amazon has released a trailer for the upcoming third season of its original series 'Mozart in the Jungle.' The new season is set to premiere on December 9. Based on the critically acclaimed memoir Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs & Classical Music by Blair Tindall, the multi-award winning Amazon Original Series, Mozart in the Jungle draws back the curtain at the New York Symphony, where artistic dedication and creativity collide with mind games, politicking and survival instincts. The series is executive produced by Roman Coppola (Moonrise Kingdom), Jason Schwartzman (The Darjeeling Limited) and Paul Weitz (About a Boy) and stars Gael Garcia Bernal (Rosewater), Saffron Burrows (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Hannah Dunne (Frances Ha), Lola Kirke (Gone Girl), Malcolm McDowell (The Mentalist), Peter Vack (I Just Want My Pants Back) and Bernadette Peters (Smash). Season 3 of the Emmy and Golden Globe winning Mozart in the Jungle is about reinvention, as the orchestral family must find themselves as individuals before they can reunite renewed and stronger. With the symphony under lockout, Rodrigo heads to Venice to find inspiration working with an operatic diva. Meanwhile Hailey unsuccessfully tours Europe and begins to question her career as an oboist. Check out the official trailer below! In addition to the forthcoming third season, seasons one and two of 'Mozart in the Jungle' are currently available to Prime Members through Amazon Video. Other upcoming Amazon premieres include 'The Man in the High Castle' season two on December 16. In addition, Amazon also recently renewed 'Bosch' for a fourth season, greenlit full season orders for its 2016 Comedy Pilot Lineup, 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, 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: YouTubePosted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 02:45 PM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Holiday Gift Guide 2016: Movies & TV on Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-rayAs the song says, it's the most wonderful time of the year! With returning Jedis, a couple superhero feuds, and with a potty-mouthed assassin dressed in red with tons of ammo, 2016 had one heck of a great slate of flicks make their way to Blu-ray and the extremely exciting 4K format Ultra HD Blu-ray. While the big new blockbusters were certainly something to behold, 2016 also some impressive box sets, special edition releases, as well as a ton of great classic flicks make their Blu-ray debuts. That means there are some great gifts to give this holiday season! [teaser]To help you sort through all the great titles, we're pleased to bring you High-Def Digest's Holiday Gift Guide 2016![/teaser] Favorite New Movies Of 2016 Star Wars: The Force Awakens 2D/3D The biggest movie in Domestic and Global Box Office history enjoys one fantastic 2D/3D Blu-ray combo release. With the 3D option, as well as some new extra bonus features; including a J.J. Abrams audio commentary, reviewer Shannon T. Nutt calls this 2D/3D Blu-ray release a "Must Own" and should stay on your gift giving radar! Also available in 2D only. Batman v. Superman Dawn of Justice While critics and fans were wildly divided about its theatrical release, it's safe to say this Blu-ray release along with the longer and better Director's Cut was a great disc. With reference quality A/V presentation and a host of great bonus features, reviewer E. Enois Duarte calls this 3-Disc set "Recommended for superhero fans!" Also available in Blu-ray 3D, and 4K UHD. Hell or High Water Any time you can get Jeff Bridges to don a sheriff's badge is a good day. This taught modern western won over critics and gained a number of fans, making its Blu-ray release an exciting event in our book. For the western lover in your home, keep this one in mind while shopping. Deadpool Ryan Reynolds manages to make X-Men fans forget the Merk-with-a-mouth's first outing in X-Men Origins: Wolverine with this foul-mouthed action-adventure romp! It's an over the top buffet of action, mayhem, language, special effects, and well-timed pop culture references and reviewer Michael S. Palmer calls this Blu-ray release "really #&!*ing good!" It's also the perfect gift for the comic fan on your list. Also available in 4K UHD. Creed Just when you think Rocky Balboa is out of the ring, all it takes is some great talent in Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler to pull him back in! Granted, Rocky may not have put on the gloves, but this Blu-ray is a "Highly Recommended" knockout! Also available in 4K UHD. Hunt for the Wilder People One of the quirkiest little indy flicks of the year turns out to be one of the best action/road-movie/comedies to come out in a good long while. Sam Neil proves yet again he's the man to camp with when lost in the jungle during your formative years - and it's hilarious and tender without being sappy. The comedy indy-movie fanatic in your home should have a big smile opening this one up. Jason Bourne You know his name, it's Bourne, Jason Bourne. Just when you thought our hero of few words had nothing left to say, he manages to uncover even more secrets about his murky past. In order to get to the truth, he'll have to hit a lot of people and drive really, really recklessly. And we love it! This disc should be a huge hit for the action/adventure lover on your list. Also available in 4K UHD. Star Trek Beyond In a summer season packed with redundant sequels and misfired reboots, this latest installment in J.J. Abrams-verse was the action-packed thrill ride we needed. While it may not have been the greatest film in the franchise, it proved to be an exciting flick and one to get for the Trek Fan in your home. Also available in Blu-ray 3D, and 4K UHD. Sausage Party The new rule of thumb should be to never count out the twisted minds of Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and their crew of misfit comedians. If one movie should have offended critics outright it's a computer animated film about food products - but it won over critics and fans, making it a gem of a comedy in a summer desperate for good humor. Also available in 4K UHD. Ghostbusters: Answer the Call It may have been one of the more controversial releases of the summer of 2016, but the film turned out to be a pretty decent source of fun. With some incredible visuals, a pounding audio mix, and a ton of bonus features, this Ghostbusters may be the right call to make for someone on your gift list! Also available in 4K UHD with Blu-ray 3D. X-Men Apocalypse The X-Men franchise keeps rolling along with this 80s inspired look at our favorite heroes as they fight their most powerful enemy yet. With some striking visuals, impressive audio, and some worthwhile bonus features, there's nothing apocalyptic about getting this Blu-ray for someone on your list! Also available in Blu-ray 3D, and 4K UHD. Sully At 86 years old, Clint Eastwood shows no signs of slowing down - and Sully proves that's a good thing. Teaming up with Tom Hanks, Eastwood brings home the suspenseful and dramatic events surrounding the Miracle on the Hudson. It's a riveting film and it makes the perfect holiday gift. Also available in 4K UHD. The Martian Extended Edition Sci-fi master Ridley Scott brings another out-of-this-world adventure about Matt Damon farming potatoes on Mars! It's dramatic, hilarious, and was one of the most entertaining movies of 2015, so justifiably it deserves a fantastic special edition release! With outstanding video and audio and some stellar bonus features, this is the release of The Martian to shop for! Also available in 4K UHD. The Revenant It only took a mauling from a bear and a bitter rivalry with Mad Max for Leo to win an Oscar! Not only was The Revenant one of the best movies of 2015, it managed to be one of the best Blu-ray releases of 2016, featuring a stunning video and audio package designed to maximize the home theater experience. If someone on your list doesn't own it, you know what to get them! Also available in 4K UHD. Captain America: Civil War No Holiday Gift Guide could be complete without the latest Marvel movie release, and Captain America: Civil War is an absolute must for any shopper. On top of a thrilling adventure featuring virtually every Marvel hero to date, it makes room for some exciting newcomers and a brand new take on Spider-man! What's not to love about this gift? Also available in Blu-ray 3D. Beautiful 4K Ultra-Hd Blu-ray Releases X-Men: Days of Future Past Since it was one of the best entries in the entire franchise, it shouldn't come as any surprise that this UHD release would be a stellar example of this exciting new format's capabilities! If you've got someone on your list sporting the latest and greatest home entertainment technology, consider wrapping this one up for them! X-Men: First Class and X-Men: Apocalypse are also available in 4 UHD creating an X-Citing holiday season for a lucky person on your list! Ghostbusters Slime never looked so good! Everyone's favorite paranormal investigators make the leap to 4K in grand style featuring improved clarity, bright and bold colors, with speaker-rattling sound! It's a great release all around and fans of the film will be happy to tear off the wrapping paper. Don't forget, Ghostbusters II and Ghostbusters: Answer the Call are also available in 4K UHD making for a perfectly spooky holiday season! Sicario One of the best thrillers of the last decade crosses the border from Blu-ray to UHD in grand style. The film is incredible and boasts the same stellar Dolby Atmos audio mix, but the improved video quality is the real selling point and makes it a great gift for the action/thriller fan on your shopping list. The Lego Movie Everything is in fact, awesome when one of the best movies of 2015 comes to colorful life on 4K UHD! The Lego movie won over big kids of all ages and sizes and its UHD debut is well worth the upgrade. See it and hear it with the best possible audio and video presentation. A great movie to have at home just got even more awesome! Star Trek Reboots and remakes may be all the rage in Hollywood. While some aren't the greatest, some turn out well. J.J. Abrams' unique take on Star Trek breathed new life into the floundering franchise - and it's one heck of a great UHD title! Reviewer Shannon T. Nutt called it a "Highly Recommended release for the new format. Star Trek: Into Darkness and Star Trek: Beyond are also available in 4K UHD! Great Flicks For Little Critters Zootopia Disney had one of the best years in their entire history, and Zootopia was a big reason why. It's a joyful and poignant little film that is easily relatable while also being incredibly entertaining for kids young and old! Also, it's a beast of a Blu-ray release and should put a lot of smile on faces. Also available in Blu-ray 3D. Finding Dory One thing Pixar does well is land an emotional punch, and they bring their entire bag of tricks with Finding Dory. It's funny, it's tender-hearted, and it just makes you feel good to see all of these characters again and the great new friends they make. Little kids and big kids should love every moment, making it an easy gift to give! Also available in Blu-ray 3D. TMNT: Out of the Shadows The first film may have divided fans, but thankfully Out of the Shadows managed to recapture the cartoonish fun and excitement of the 80s TV show. With an incredible video and audio presentation and a smattering of great extra features, this Blu-ray release should keep the little ones entertained, making it a great gift opportunity! Also available in Blu-ray 3D, and 4K UHD. The Jungle Book Disney is on a winning streak with their live action remakes of their animated classics. With a heartfelt story, life-like visual effects, and a fantastic voice cast, The Jungle Book was a joy in theaters and it's an incredible disc to have at home. Parents and kids alike should love this one, plus it makes a great stocking stuffer! Also available in Blu-ray 3D. The Peanuts Movie The classic newspaper strip characters get a CGI makeover, and it couldn't be more perfect. One of the nicest movies to come out gets one of the best Blu-ray releases. It's bright, beautiful, features an impeccable audio mix and offers up some pleasant bonus features. If you have Charlie Brown fans in your home, don't overlook this little gem. Also available in Blu-ray 3D, and 4K UHD. Criterion Collection Greats Trilogia de Guillermo del Toro Reviewer M. Enois Duarte calls this collection of Guillermo del Toro films a "Must Own" set and it's easy to see why. With Cronos, The Devil's Backbone, and Pan's Labyrinth, you've got the potential to give the gift of three incredible films as they're meant to be seen in all their glory. The perfect gift for that cinema connoisseur on your list. Valley of the Dolls Considering its status as a cult film, it shouldn't be too surprising that Criterion would release this movie and give it the full Collector's Edition treatment it deserves. Reviewer Bruce Douglas calls it "trashy escapism at its best" and the cinema nut on your list will love to have it in their collection. Keep an eye out for it and its sequel the ultra-kitschy Roger Ebert-penned Beyond the Valley of the Dolls! The New World It wouldn't be a good year for Criterion releases without another look at the impressive and enigmatic works of Terrance Malick. The New World is a beautiful existential retelling of the relationship between Pocahontas and Captain John Smith. They went all out to fully restore the picture and audio and fans will appreciate the effort as this is another "Highly Recommended" Criterion Collection release. The Manchurian Candidate Reviewer David Krauss calls this release of the classic John Frankenheimer film starring Frank "Chairman of the Board" Sinatra a "Must Own" - and for good reason. The image quality is gorgeous, the audio pitch perfect, and the assortment of extra features will keep fans of this tight and tense political thriller entertained for hours. Boyhood As the old saying goes, one good turn deserves another, and the same is true for Richard Linklater's incredible film Boyhood. It may have already enjoyed a very good Blu-ray release, but this Criterion Collection offers up a slew of new bonus features for fans to take in and appreciate. While the film took 12 years to make, we're certainly happy it didn't take that long for Boyhood to get the Criterion Collection treatment. Bingeworthy Television on Blu-ray Downton Abby The Complete Collection One of the most popular shows to come out of England gets the complete series collection it deserves. If you haven't been keeping up with the show, this is the best way to experience the drama from beginning to end. You'll laugh. You'll cry... and you'll probably cry some more. But hey, it makes a perfect holiday gift! The Flash The Complete Second Season With Season Three currently airing on television, you're going to need the Speed Force to get caught up with this incredible and exciting television show. For that comic book fan on your list, a big smile is all but guaranteed when they unwrap this one! Better Call Saul The Complete Second Season We really shouldn't have been surprised that this Breaking Bad spinoff show has turned out as good as it has, but darn it all if this isn't some great television! Each episode is better than the last, and the second season keeps up that incredible pace. We're certain someone on your list will absolutely love you for getting it for them! South Park The Complete Nineteenth Season It might be a good idea to go ahead and check your privilege before firing up this incredible season of South Park! 19 years on and the show is still timely, providing a hilarious look at the state of current events. It's a must own for that comedy fan on your list who needs a good laugh! Twin Peaks: The Original Series With new episodes of Twin Peaks from creator David Lynch on the horizon, there's no time like the present to get caught up wth this groundbreaking series. Also includes the missing pieces and the feature film Fire Walk With Me, all in one convenient box set. Amazing Special Edition Releases The Thing: Collector's Edition One of the best science fiction/horror films of the 1980s finally gets the just Blu-ray treatment it always deserved. This incredible "Must Own" disc arrives with a fresh new transfer and is packed with enough special features to keep you busy through winter. It's the perfect gift for someone on your list who enjoys a good fright now and again. The Iron Giant: Signature Edition Easily one of the best animated movies ever made, The Iron Giant finally makes its long overdue Blu-ray debut, and we couldn't be happier about it! With a stunning video and audio presentation and some great bonus features, this should make someone on your list very happy! Labyrinth: 30th Anniversary Gift Set Another 1980s classic film gets the good and proper Blu-ray treatment it deserves. With a fresh new transfer and some great bonus features, this is one fine gift set that is perfect for that particular good little girl or boy on your list. Also available in 4K UHD. Road House: Collector's Edition Pain don't hurt and neither does this brand spanking new Collector's Edition Blu-ray. It may not be a "classic" in the general sense of the word, but Patrik Swayze's masterpiece of macho-man action is a real crowd pleaser. With a fresh new transfer and a host of new bonus features, this Blu-ray release will surely make someone on your list very happy! Mad Max: Fury Road Black & Chrome Edition Winner of the most Academy Awards for 2016, George Miller's action spectacle masterpiece comes home in a bold new version. We're certainly excited to see what Miller has concocted for this release. This disc will also be available in the High-Octane Collection containing all four films, so you've got some purchasing options if this one is on someone's gift list to Santa. The original release of Mad Max: Fury Road is also available in 4K UHD. Classics New To Blu It Came From Outer Space 3D One of the best Science Fiction films of the 1950s makes its debut on Blu-ray 3D, as it was intended to be seen! Painstakingly restored by 3-D Film Archive, this is a beautiful release featuring a near-flawless 3D image and a dynamic audio track to match. If you have a 3D enthusiast on your list, this is the perfect gift. If you need more incredible 3D visuals, take a look at GOG. Dolemite A fantastic 70s exploitation flick finally makes it's way onto Blu-ray! Bruce Douglas calls it a "Highly Recommended" release featuring a solid video transfer and audio track along with some decent bonus features. It's good fun and good for that funky friend on your shopping list! Dark Passage Warner Archive proves they know how to take care of their classic films with this release of the Bogart & Bacall thriller. With a stellar video and audio presentation, it's a perfect gift for the classic cinema fan on your list - or if you need to get yourself something special with all this shopping! If you love Dak Passage, consider adding Key Largo and To Have and Have Not to your list. The Mark of Zorro Action and adventure don't get more exciting than when Tyrone Power dons the black mask of Zorro! This classic film slashes its way onto Blu-ray with a stellar video and audio presentation. It's a highly recommended release and a perfect gift for lovers of the classics! Buster Keaton: The Shorts Collection Few performers were as talented or as versatile as Buster Keaton. With a single look, the man could either make you laugh until your stomach hurt, or make your eyes well up with tears. The Shorts Collection from Kino Lorber is an amazing release providing silent cinema fans with hours of amazing entertainment. 2016 saw some incredible new movies come out on Blu-ray, some amazing special edition releases, and more than a few classics and fan favorites make their Blu-ray debut. Not to mention, we now have a new and exciting 4K format as well. We here at High-Def Digest hope our latest Holiday Gift Guide makes shopping for your friends and family (and perhaps yourself?) a little easier, or at the very least, gives you some great ideas. As always, be safe out there this holiday season and be sure to turn on a great movie with your friends, family, and loved ones! Honorable Mentions of 2016 Understandably, we couldn't fit all of the great and amazing titles that made their way to Blu-ray and 4K UHD onto this list. Here are a few more amazing suggestions just in case you need some more ideas for that tough person to shop for on your list! Midnight Special Beauty and the Beast 25th Anniversary Edition The Exorcist III Collector's Edition Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Hellraiser: The Scarlet Box Midnight Run The Shallows The Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane McCabe & Mrs. Miller Criterion Collection Hail, Caesar! The Taking of Pelham One, Two, Three (1974) The Nice Guys Carrie: 40th Anniversary Collector's Edition Swiss Army Man The Bicycle Thieves Criterion Collection The Lobster Cafe Society Hardcore Henry Bad Moms Bridge of Spies 10 Cloverfield Lane Fixed Bayonets! The Secret life of Pets The Infiltrator Transformers: The Movie High NoonPosted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
State of the Ultra HD Blu-ray Union[teaser]Last week I sat down with the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) to get a quick update about how the new format is performing as well as to observe a quick side-by-side 4K vs HD demonstration.[/teaser] I'll get to my demo impressions in a moment, but let's dive into the format itself. WHAT IS ULTRA HD BLU-RAY? If you're reading this and aren't quite sure what we're talking about, please check out THIS ARTICLE where we dive into the nitty-gritty of the format. The short version is this: Ultra HD Blu-ray is a physical media disc capable of displaying Ultra HD content (3840 x 2160) that's been graded in High Dynamic Range (HDR) and with a Wide Color Gamut (WCG). Generally speaking, HDR allows content to have deeper black levels, extra brightness, and improved visible detail in bright and dark areas of the screen. Wide Color Gamut allows content to be rendered with a much greater portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, resulting in more vivid and life-like colors. For what it's worth, Ultra HD Blu-ray is capable of displaying up to the Rec. 2020 color gamut, but current discs are sticking with the P3 color space found in most commercial cinemas due to limitations in current display technology. Ultra HD Blu-ray is also capable of object-based surround sound in the form of Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. However, Ultra HD Blu-ray does not, itself, support 3D.To enjoy Ultra HD Blu-ray, you need four things: 1) an Ultra HD Display, 2) a UHD-capable HDMI cable, 3) an Ultra HD Blu-ray player, and, of course, 4) Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs. To achieve optimal picture and sound quality, it's a pretty good idea to purchase an Ultra HD Display with a 10bit panel and HDR capability, and add a surround sound system with HDCP 2.2 compliant HDMI ports. It's worth noting that, of the eight Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Players currently on the market worldwide, most are backwards-compatible and will play Blu-ray Discs, 3D Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, and CDs; many also offer access to 4K streaming services like Netflix, VUDU, and Amazon. HOW IS ULTRA HD BLU-RAY PERFORMING? According to the BDA, quite well. It's obviously the BDA's job to sell success, but there are a few interesting metrics worth noting. First, manufacturers expect to ship 80% more UHD TVs this year than last and, by the end of 2016, 16% of US homes will own at least one 4K UHD TV. According to consumer surveys, 4K is the #1 coveted feature in new televisions.Hand-in-hand with customer awareness is a need for new UHD content, which we can be divided into streaming, broadcast, and physical media like Ultra HD Blu-ray. Studios including Fox, Lionsgate, Paramount, Sony, Universal, and Warners are on track to release 100 Ultra HD Blu-rays in 2016, with 90 titles currently available and over ONE MILLION discs sold between March and November, representing $25 million in consumer spending. While that's relatively small compared to the billions spent in the halcyon days of the DVD boom, overall Blu-ray sales (which include Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray) are up 8% versus last year, most likely thanks to this new format.In addition to the media itself, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, and Microsoft have released eight players/recorders worldwide. (NOTE: there is no Ultra HD Blu-ray recording at this time; those machines, released primarily in Japan, record onto Blu-rays and include a TV tuner.) Sony has also announced a player and I suspect we'll hear more player news at CES 2017. In the US market, home theatre enthusiasts and early adopters have already snapped up 80K stand-alone Ultra HD Blu-ray players.Will Ultra HD Blu-ray ever be more than a niche product for enthusiasts? I doubt it, but these figures and numbers are much stronger than I would have guessed. Either way, it's exciting to see people enjoying a premium format because the proof is in the side-by-side pudding... ULTRA HD BLU-RAY V. BLU-RAY: NO CONTEST UHD-equipped reviewers at High-Def Digest take extraordinary care to compare and contrast Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray transfers, hoping to note any visual differences and possible improvements. Having reviewed and/or watched dozens of titles at this point, it's clear to me resolution is far less important than HDR and WCG... Which leads me to the side-by-side demonstration where we watched extended clips from Sony's 'Concussion' as well as Warners' 'Pacific Rim' on two identical Sony UHD displays, both of which were connected to the Samsung UBD-K8500. One display played the Ultra HD Blu-ray, while the other played the standard Blu-ray. The purpose in choosing two different genres films, I think, was to show how HDR/WCG can benefit a variety of content, not simply more stylized sci-fi CGI affairs. 'Concussion' looks terrific in Ultra HD; its color timing seems a touch warmer with all the added shadow and light details making the overall picture sharper. In comparison, the standard Blu-ray is flatter, more bland, and less resolved. 'Pacific Rim' is my favorite Ultra HD Blu-ray thus far. It's instant demo material for anyone with an HDR-capable display thanks to an insane color palette, improved fine details, and CGI that looks more weighted in HDR. Interestingly enough, I wouldn't necessarily Ultra HD Blu-ray is sharper, but its wow factor is guaranteed to drop more than a few jaws. The Blu-ray, by comparison, looks more computer generated and much, much flatter.Walk out of any demo like this one and it's simply no contest. Most Ultra HD Blu-rays with HDR/WCG absolutely destroy their HD/SDR counterparts. (And yes, the results are 100% title-dependent because it all comes down to the choices made by the filmmakers themselves.)One other takeaway, that I've been noting of late, is how much the added bitrate helps the end result. UHD streaming has come a long way -- VUDU UHD with Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos is a game changer, in my humblest opinion -- but still requires more bandwidth than many broadband subscribers currently have. Ultra HD Blu-ray runs at (up to) 100Mbps all day long whether or not the Internet is working (or dropping out in peak hours) and offers unrivaled quality in a world where we all have endless content choices.Posted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 10:25 AM PST by: -
Christophe Gans' 'Beauty and the Beast' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The 2014 live action take on the classic tale will hit Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory is preparing 'Beauty and the Beast (2014)' for Blu-ray on February 21. Directed by Christophe Gans (Silent Hill, The Brotherhood of the Wolf), Beauty and the Beast (La belle et la bête) stars Vincent Cassel (Black Swan) and Léa Seydoux (Spectre, Blue is the Warmest Color) with André Dussollier (A Very Long Engagement, Amélie). This visually opulent major motion picture is a modern take on classic french fairytale. Filmed with state-of-the-art technology and under the imaginative vision of Christophe Gans, Beauty and the Beast (La belle et la bête) delivers a lush and vibrant cinematic adventure. Supplements have not been announced yet, but the Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a French DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $22.97. You can find the latest specs for 'Beauty and the Beast (2014)' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 21. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
YouTube Launches VR App for Daydream View[teaser]The company's new virtual reality app is now available.[/teaser] YouTube has announced the launch of its new stand-alone VR app for the Daydream View headset. With the YouTube VR app, customers can experience a variety of immersive virtual reality videos. To access the YouTube VR app, customers will need a Daydream-ready phone (like the Google Pixel) and the recently released Daydream View headset and controller. The app was designed specifically for VR, offering a growing collection of 360 degree videos. In addition, users can also watch standard videos on a virtual movie screen through the app's new theater mode. Likewise, the app includes voice search support, and users can sign into their accounts to access channels they have subscribed to, check out playlists, and more. Current YouTube VR content includes virtual reality videos from creators like Tastemade, Roosterteeth, the Natural History Museum in London, Meredith Foster, HuffPost RYOT, Curiscope, Tritonal, and StyleHaul -- covering VR news, comedy, beauty, education, cooking, travel, concerts, and a variety of other immersive experiences. The Daydream View headset is made with flexible and soft breathable fabrics, allowing the device to be 30% lighter than similar products while providing added comfort. To use the Daydream View, customers simply need to drop in a Daydream-ready smartphone (like the Google Pixel) and lock it into place. From there, the phone and headset connect wirelessly with an auto alignment system. In addition, the product includes a compact controller packed with sensors, letting customers interact with content through movements and gesture. And when not in use, the controller can slide right inside the headset for easy storage. Google's Daydream View is now available through Verizon, Best Buy, and the Google Store for $79. Source: YouTubePosted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 09:30 AM PST by: -
'Jack Frost' Blu-ray Pre-Orders Live[teaser]The 1997 horror-comedy is headed for high-definition in December.[/teaser] As previously reported, Vinegar Syndrome is preparing 'Jack Frost' for Blu-ray on December 13. On his way to be executed, the vehicle containing notorious serial killer Jack Frost collides with a hazardous chemical truck, turning Jack into a snow covered mutant and unleashing him on the unsuspecting town of Snomonton, 'The Snowman Capitol of the Midwest'. Jack immediately takes advantage of his newfound freedom and blizzardy abilities to seek revenge on the bungling Sheriff, played by Christopher Allport (TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A.), that accidentally ended his cross-country killing spree. On his way to the Sheriff, Jack terrorizes the snow-man themed town and murders its residents in a variety of winterized ways. Can the residents of Snomonton fight back against the psychopath snowman from Hell or will they all end up in a snow-covered grave? Co-starring the beautiful Shannon Elizabeth (AMERICAN PIE) in one of her most infamous and revealing roles, and featuring colorful cinematography by Dean Lent (BORDER RADIO), director Michael Cooney's staple of video stores and late night TV, is a gleefully gory horror comedy and is coming to Blu-ray for the first time, fully restored in 2k from Vinegar Syndrome. The release will feature a NEW 2K restoration from 35mm vault elements, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio Commentary track with Director Michael Cooney; Video Introduction from Director Michael Cooney; Video Interview with Lead Actor Scott MacDonald; and a Video Interview with Director of Photography Dean Lent. The studio will also be offering a limited edition release with lenticular artwork by Chris Garofalo. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Jack Frost' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under December 13. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
HBO Announces 'Quarry' for Blu-ray[teaser]The Cinemax series is coming to Blu-ray. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, HBO is preparing 'Quarry' for Blu-ray. A release date has not been announced yet. 'Quarry' is the story of Mac Conway, a Marine who returns home to Memphis from Vietnam in 1972 and finds himself shunned by those he loves and demonized by the public. As he struggles to cope with his experiences at war, Conway is drawn into a network of killing and corruption that spans the length of the Mississippi River. The one-hour drama stars Logan Marshall-Green, Jodi Balfour, Peter Mullan, Nikki Amuka-Bird and Damon Herriman. Based on the novels of Max Allan Collins, the show will be directed and executive produced by Greg Yaitanes, along with executive producer Steve Golin. Created and executive produced by Graham Gordy & Michael D. Fuller. Specs and supplements have not been announced yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Quarry' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Nov 10, 2016 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Netflix Set to Stream South Korean Disaster Film 'Pandora' in 2017[teaser]The upcoming disaster flick will stream globally through Netflix next year.[/teaser] Netflix has announced an international licensing agreement with Next Entertainment World for their movie 'Pandora.' The South Korean nuclear disaster film comes from CAC Entertainment and director Park Jung-Woo. "We are excited to work with Next Entertainment World to bring such high-quality Korean titles like Pandora to our members worldwide," said Rob Roy, Vice President Content Acquisition at Netflix. "Netflix is committed to bringing the best of global entertainment to the world and in an era where the Internet knows no bounds, this is another step towards delivering great stories to fans no matter where they live." In 'Pandora,' disaster strikes a nuclear power plant in a small, quiet town when an earthquake unexpectedly hits. The Pirates star Kim Nam-gil plays Jae-hyuk, a man who risks his life to save his family and country from the impending atomic explosion. The film also stars Kim Young-ae (The Attorney), Jung Jin-young (Miracle of Cell No. 7) and Kim Dae-myeong (Misaeng). 'Pandora' will stream exclusively through Netflix in 190 countries, excluding South Korea, in 2017. In South Korea, the film will start streaming after its theatrical release. Next Entertainment World CEO, Kim Woo-taek said, "We are delighted to partner with Netflix, a world-class content distributor, to be able to present Pandora to global audiences in over 190 countries. Following the recent success of Train to Busan in Asia, we hope the 'nuclear' themed Pandora can win much love from the audiences worldwide." Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25, '3%' on November 25, 'Fuller House' season two on December 9, 'Barry' on December 16, 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' on January 13, 'David Brent: Life on the Road' on February 10, and 'Iron Fist' on March 17. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Sources: NetflixPosted Wed Nov 9, 2016 at 01:30 PM PST by: -
Amazon Readies Three New Original Kids Holiday Specials for November 25 Premiere[teaser]Three new kids holiday specials are set to start streaming later this month.[/teaser] Amazon has announced its upcoming lineup of kids holiday themed specials. The new programs include 'If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie,' 'The Snowy Day,' and 'An American Girl Story—Maryellen 1955: Extraordinary Christmas.' "We are so excited to bring our customers our first-ever holiday line-up of specials this season, with If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie and The Snowy Day based on beloved children's books that highlight strong bonds between friends and families. It's what the holidays are all about," said Tara Sorensen, Head of Kids Programming at Amazon Studios. "The American Girl Maryellen special is an inspiring feel-good story that will surely become a holiday family favorite for our customers." Here's a full rundown of the lineup: 'If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie' - If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie is an animated holiday special based on the classic If You Give a Mouse a Cookie book series written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond. In this special, it’s holiday time and in Mouse’s house that means Christmas cookies (including a special one for Santa, of course), caroling with friends…and one nearly-destroyed holiday pageant. Can Mouse and his animal friends save the show, without getting utterly distracted along the way? It’s a wild ride as Mouse and his friends work together to solve a problem in a fun and creative way. The special is written and produced by Ken Scarborough (Doug, Curious George, Martha Speaks, Arthur,and Saturday Night Live); stars Mason Mahay (voice of Oliver), Roger Craig Smith (Avengers Assemble and Wreck-It Ralph), Jessica DiCiccio (Over the Hedge), Jeff Bennett (Futurama), and Lara Jill Miller (The Loud House, Henry Hugglemonster, and Doc McStuffins). The special also features an original song "Christmas Cookie Song" by Lisa Loeb, available exclusively on Amazon Music to download and stream November 25. If You Give a Mouse a Cookiewas part of Amazon's 2015 fall pilot season rated 4.7 stars by customers with 82% 5-star reviews; season one will premiere on Amazon Prime Video next year. 'Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day' - The Snowy Day is an animated holiday special based on the award-winning book by Ezra Jack Keats. The book is well-known as one of the first picture books to feature an African-American protagonist, has won many awards, including the Caldecott medal—one of the highest honors in children’s literature, and was included in the Library of Congress’ list of “Books that Shaped America.” The special follows Peter, a young boy in a red snowsuit, as his mother sends him on an adventure to Nana’s house to retrieve their traditional Christmas mac and cheese dinner. Enjoying the snowy day along the way, Peter encounters friends from the neighborhood, including storekeepers and bakers to the older boys he admires—and a group of a capella singers voiced by Boyz II Men. After arriving at Nana’s and retrieving the mac and cheese—and his most coveted gift, a brand-new red sled—Nana helps Peter team up with the older boys for an epic snowball fight, resulting in the destruction of the special holiday dinner and his sled. When the neighborhood comes together to celebrate new traditions with Peter and his family, Peter realizes that the true meaning of the holiday is who you spend it with. Narrated by Laurence Fishburne (Black-ish, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and The Matrix) and featuring voice talent by Regina King (American Crime and The Leftovers), Jamie-Lynn Sigler (The Sopranos), and Angela Bassett (American Horror Story and BoJack Horseman), The Snowy Day features an original song “Snowy Day” by Boyz II Men, available exclusively on Amazon Music to download and stream November 25. Executive produced by Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland (Akeelah and the Bee) as well as Ann Austen, Irene Sherman, and Deborah Pope (Ezra Jack Keats Foundation). 'An American Girl Story—Maryellen 1955: Extraordinary Christmas' - An American Girl Story—Maryellen 1955: Extraordinary Christmas is the second collaboration between American Girl and Amazon and is based on American Girl’s previously launched BeForever character Maryellen Larkin. The special is set during Christmas in 1955 in Daytona Beach, Florida, where middle child Maryellen (Alyvia Alyn Lind) longs to stand out amidst the hustle and bustle of her big, busy family. A boisterous and artistic girl, Maryellen’s adventurous spirit is sometimes at odds with the era she’s living in: when conformity was valued above individuality. When Benji (Samuel Faraci), a family friend afflicted with polio comes to stay with them and visit Daytona Beach’s hospital for care, Maryellen is inspired to help the polio patients have the best Christmas ever. But her first attempts fall flat, followed by a fight with her best friend Davy (Maxwell Acee Donovan). With guidance and advice from Maryellen’s wise and sympathetic mother (Mary McCormack), Maryellen learns the key to helping others is through listening. Through her gift of drawing, Maryellen helps give the children an extraordinary Christmas they’ll never forget. Executive produced by Jane Startz (Ella Enchanted). An American Girl Story—Maryellen 1955: Extraordinary Christmas features an original song “Christmas and Everyday” by Best Coast, available exclusively on Amazon Music to download and stream November 25. 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. Sources: AmazonPosted Wed Nov 9, 2016 at 12:00 PM PST by:
