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'Better Call Saul: The Complete Second Season' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The 'Breaking Bad' spinoff's second season is coming to Blu-ray in November.[/teaser]As previously reported, Sony is preparing 'Better Call Saul: The Complete Second Season' for Blu-ray, and now the date has been set for November 15. Season one found Jimmy (Bob Odenkirk) stumble upon a large class-action lawsuit, which led to a promising job opportunity at a large firm. Having arrived at a fork in the road, will Jimmy take the straight and narrow path with a safe corporate job or will he fall back into his “Slippin’ Jimmy” con-artist ways? The release will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: Audio Commentaries for all 10 Episodes; Gag Reel; "Switch" Table Read; "Settling the Score: Original Music by Composer Dave Porter"; and "Building the Shot". Blu-ray exclusives include: "Jimmy and Kim: A Complicated Relationship"; "The Takedown"; "In Conversation: Jonathan Banks & Mark Margolis"; "Constructing Davis & Main"; "Landing FIFI"; "HSC: Beaches 'n' Peaches"; and Commercials. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/UltraViolet combo pack is $65.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Better Call Saul: The Complete Second Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 15. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Sep 20, 2016 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Sony Reveals MP-CL1A Mobile Pico Projector, MSRP Set for $400[teaser]The company's newest pico projector model has been detailed. [/teaser] Sony has announced its latest mobile projector. The MP-CL1A serves as an update to the previously released MP-CL1, offering enhanced features and accessories. "The MP-CL1A not only builds on the success of Sony's first pico projector, but the company's vast expertise in projection technology," said Viviano Cantu, Vice President, Product Marketing, Sony Americas Media and Energy Group. "With connectivity options that now range from Wi-Fi, standard HDMI and MHL to Bluetooth and audio output for wireless and wired headphones and speakers, we're listening to our users to constantly improve our products and add valuable features. That is also why we are offering additional accessories and options that personalize the projector including the choice of a gray or gold model." The MP-CL1A is compact pico projector that uses Laser Beam Scanning (LBS) tech for HD resolution (1920 x 720p) focus free projection with a 80,000:1 contrast ratio and a 16:9 aspect ratio. The device can project a screen size of up to 120 inches at a distance of approximately 12 feet and a 40 inch screen from about 4 feet away. Here's a rundown of key features per the press release: - Compact and super slim (7.4 oz., 5.9 x 3 x 0.5 inches) - 1920 x720 HD resolution (Aspect ratio of 16:9) - Up to 120 inch screen size from approximately 12 feet - High contrast ratio of 80,000:1 - Automatic focus projection from Sony’s Laser Beam Scanning (LBS) - Wi-Fi (with phone or tablet) or HDMI/MHL connectivity (for phone, tablet, laptop and gaming devices) - Bluetooth connection with wireless speakers or wireless headphones - Built-in 3400mAh Li-ion battery for 2 hours of play - Gold or gray color options Sony's MP-CL1A will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $400. Source: SonyPosted Tue Sep 20, 2016 at 11:30 AM PDT by: -
Peter Sasdy's 'Doomwatch' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The 1972 horror flick will be available in stores in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino is preparing 'Doomwatch' for Blu-ray on December 6. The mysterious island village of Balfe is experiencing unexplainable phenomena...from grossly oversized sea life to half-buried bodies in the dark woods to strange Neanderthal-like men suffering from a rare disfiguring disease. Is this town afflicted by radioactive waste contaminating their water? Is there a vengeful mutant monster lurking in the woods? Or worse, are the townsfolk being punished by an act of God for their past sins? It is up to Dr. Del Shaw and the dedicated scientists at Doomwatch headquarters to discover the cause of these horrific mutations. Infuriating local villagers who cling to their secluded island's survival, Dr. Shaw (Ian Bannen) and local school teacher Victoria Brown (Judy Geeson) risk their lives to uncover the truth behind the strange happenings, no matter how frightening or dangerous it may be. Based on the British television series of the same name, Doomwatch is a haunting telltale film that just might be hazardous to your health! Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: NEW On-camera interview with Star Judy Geeson; NEW Audio Commentary with Director Peter Sasdy; NEW On-camera Intro by Director Peter Sasdy; and Trailer Gallery. You can find the latest specs for 'Doomwatch' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 6.Posted Tue Sep 20, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Vimeo Adds Lionsgate Titles to New Digital Video Store[teaser]Several TV shows are heading to Vimeo's on-demand video library. [/teaser] Vimeo has announced a deal to bring Lionsgate TV titles to its new global video store. The service will be available in more than 150 countries around the world. "We're proud to launch Vimeo's first ever transaction-based global television store with Lionsgate's acclaimed television series," said Barry Diller , Chairman and Senior Executive of Vimeo parent company IAC. "Their television slate includes nearly 80 series on 40 different networks, and they are a great partner with whom to kick off a service that will bring premium scripted shows from the U.S. to our hundreds of millions of viewers around the world. They are the first of many top Hollywood studios we expect to attract in the months to come." Vimeo will offer nearly all of Lionsgate's library of TV titles, including current and catalog shows like 'Orange is the New Black,' 'Casual,' 'The Royals,' 'Mad Men,' 'Weeds,' 'Nurse Jackie,' 'Boss,' 'Blue Mountain State,' and 'Manhattan.' Likewise, the studio will also add movie titles to the platform for rental in the US after launch. "Our collaboration with Barry Diller and Vimeo is the latest example of our commitment to partner with world-class platforms to serve online, next generation consumers," said Lionsgate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer . "We're proud to be the exclusive launch partner of platforms such as Vimeo that are transforming the face of entertainment and bringing our content to consumers around the world through an expanding array of touchpoints." Pricing for rentals has not been announced yet, but the new Vimeo service is scheduled to launch on October 18 at the MIPCOM 2016 Global Market in Cannes. Sources: Vimeo via Yahoo, EngadgetPosted Mon Sep 19, 2016 at 01:45 PM PDT by: -
JVC Announces DLA-RS4500 Native 4K D-ILA Projector[teaser]A new Ultra HD projector has been revealed. [/teaser] JVC has detailed its latest projector model. The DLA-RS4500 uses a native 4K D-ILA device and a laser light source with dynamic light control. The projector offers 4096 x 2160 resolution and supports screen sizes over 200 inches. Likewise, the device uses JVC's proprietary second generation BLU-Escent laser phosphor light engine for a brightness level of 3000 lumens and 20,000 hours of operational life. In addition, the projector includes support for High Dynamic Range through HDR10 and Hybrid Log-Gamma, a new HDR standard for broadcasts and streaming services, and a wide color gamut of 100 percent DCI P3 and over 80 percent coverage of BT.2020. Here's a rundown of other features per the press release: - The DLA-RS4500 is undergoing relentless THX laboratory testing to become the world’s first THX Certified 4K projector. (pending certification) - Two full speed full spec 18Gbps HDMI inputs with HDR and HDCP2.2 -JVC’s Multiple Pixel Control employs a new algorithm optimized for the new 4K device to produce detailed images even when converted from Full HD images. - The DLA-RS4500 features JVC’s original blur reduction technology, Clear Motion Drive, which is compatible with 4K60p (4:4:4), and Motion Enhance, which minimizes motion blur by optimizing the D-ILA driver. These two technologies, working together, result in a smooth and detailed image. - Onboard Screen Modes that optimize color and performance for different screen materials. -Low Latency Mode, which decreases input lags from the source. -Ten preset installation modes that combine settings for Lens Memory, Pixel Adjust, Screen Mask and other parameters to easily tailor settings to each installation. The JVC DLA-RS4500 will be available in December for $34,999.95. Source: JVCPosted Mon Sep 19, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'Mad Max: High-Octane Collection' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The collection featuring 'Mad Max: Fury Road - Black & Chrome Edition' (also sold separately) will be speeding to Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is working on 'Mad Max: High-Octane Collection' for Blu-ray on December 6. All four films from visionary director George Miller's blockbuster sci-fi franchise -- Mad Max (1979); Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981); Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985); and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015), now with Tom Hardy as Max Rockatansky -- are together in one collection. The collection includes the four films and five hours of bonus content, including the visually stunning 'Mad Max: Fury Road "Black & Chrome" Edition. Also included is the 4K-Ultra HD version and a UV Digital Copy of Mad Max: Fury Road. New features include: Fury Road "Black & Chrome" Edition – Witness the surreal black and white version of mastermind George Miller's Fury Road; George Miller Introduction to the Mad Max Fury Road: Black and Chrome Edition – Special introductory piece by George Miller describing his vision; Road War – In 1982, the world was blindsided by George Miller's masterpiece of apocalyptic destruction: The Road Warrior. For the first time ever George Miller, Terry Hayes and star Mel Gibson tell the story of the car-crushing production that redefined action cinema forever; and Madness of Max – The previously released Mad Max (1979) documentary is a feature-length documentary on the making of arguably the most influential movie of the past thirty years. With over forty cast-and-crew interviews, hundreds of behind-the-scenes photographs and never-before-seen film footage of the shoot, this is, without a doubt, the last word on Mad Max (1979). Interviews include: George Miller, Byron Kennedy, Mel Gibson, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Steve Bisley, Roger Ward, Joanne Samuel, David Eggby, Jon Dowding and many more. From the Producers to the Bike Designers to the Traffic Stoppers, this is the story of how Mad Max was made. You can find the latest specs for 'Mad Max: High-Octane Collection' and 'Mad Max: Fury Road - Black & Chrome Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under December 6.Posted Mon Sep 19, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Criterion's December 2016 Blu-ray Titles Now Available for Pre-Order![teaser]The distributor has revealed its upcoming slate of December releases, including John Huston's 'The Asphalt Jungle' and Federico Felini's 'Roma.' [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Criterion is preparing 'The Asphalt Jungle,' 'Roma,' 'The Exterminating Angel,' and 'Heart of a Dog' for Blu-ray throughout the month of December. 'The Exterminating Angel' (December 6) - A group of high-society friends are invited to a mansion for dinner and inexplicably find themselves unable to leave in The Exterminating Angel (El ángel exterminador), a daring masterpiece from Luis Buñuel. Made just one year after his international sensation Viridiana, this film, full of eerie, comic absurdity, furthers Buñuel’s wicked takedown of the rituals and dependencies of the frivolous upper classes. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an uncompressed Spanish mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: The Last Script: Remembering Luis Buñuel, a 2008 documentary featuring writer Jean-Claude Carrière and filmmaker Juan Luis Buñuel; Interviews with actor Silvia Pinal and filmmaker Arturo Ripstein from 2006; Trailer; PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Marsha Kinder and an interview with director Luis Buñuel from the 1970s. Order the Blu-ray 'Heart of a Dog' (December 6) - Heart of a Dog marks the first feature film by multimedia artist Laurie Anderson in over thirty years. A cinematic tone poem that flows from a sustained meditation on death and other forms of absence, the film seamlessly weaves together thoughts on Tibetan Buddhism, reincarnation, the modern surveillance state, and the artistic lives of dogs, with an elegy for the filmmaker’s beloved rat terrier, Lolabelle, at its heart. Narrated by Anderson with her characteristic wry wit, and featuring a plaintive, free-form score by the filmmaker, the tender and provocative Heart of a Dog continues Anderson’s five-decade career of imbuing the everyday with a sense of dreamlike wonder. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an English 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, and supplements will include: New conversation between director Laurie Anderson and coproducer Jake Perlin; Footage of Anderson’s 2016 Concert for Dogs; Trailer; PLUS: An essay by film critic Glenn Kenny. Order the Blu-ray 'The Asphalt Jungle' (December 13) - In a smog-choked city somewhere in the American Midwest, an aging criminal mastermind, newly released from prison, hatches a plan for a million-dollar jewel heist and draws a wealthy lawyer and a cherry-picked trio of outlaws into his carefully devised but inevitably doomed scheme. Anchored by an abundance of nuanced performances from a gifted ensemble—including a tight-jawed Sterling Hayden and a sultry Marilyn Monroe in her breakout role—this gritty crime classic by John Huston climaxes in a meticulously detailed anatomy of a robbery that has reverberated through the genre ever since. An uncommonly naturalistic view of a seamy underworld,The Asphalt Jungle painstakingly depicts the calm professionalism and toughness of its gangster heroes while evincing a remarkable depth of compassion for their all-too-human fragility, and it showcases a master filmmaker at the height of his powers. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an uncompressed English mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio commentary from 2004 by film historian Drew Casper, featuring recordings of actor James Whitmore; New interviews with film noir historian Eddie Muller and cinematographer John Bailey; Archival footage of writer-director John Huston discussing the film; Pharos of Chaos, a 1983 documentary about actor Sterling Hayden; Episode of the television program City Lights from 1979 featuring John Huston; Audio excerpts of archival interviews with Huston; Excerpts from footage of the 1983 AFI Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony honoring Huston, featuring actor Sam Jaffe and the filmmaker; Trailer; PLUS: An essay by critic Geoffrey O’Brien; and More! Order the Blu-ray 'Roma' (December 13) - Travelogue, memoir, and outrageous cinematic spectacle converge in this kaleidoscopic valentine to the Eternal City, composed by one of its most iconic inhabitants. Leisurely one moment and breathless the next, this urban fantasia by Federico Fellini interweaves recollections of the director’s young adulthood in the era of Mussolini with an impressionistic portrait of contemporary Rome, where he and his film crew are gathering footage of the bustling cityscape. The material delights of sex, food, nightlife, and one hallucinatory ecclesiastical fashion show are shot through with glimmers of a monumental past: the Colosseum encircled by traffic, ancient frescoes unearthed in a subway tunnel, a pigeon-befouled statue of Caesar. With a head-spinning mix of documentary immediacy and extravagant artifice, Romapenetrates the myth and mystique of Italy’s storied capital, a city Fellini called “the most wonderful movie set in the world.” The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an uncompressed Italian LPCM mono soundtrack, and supplements will include: Audio commentary featuring Frank Burke, author of Fellini’s Films; Deleted scenes; New interview with filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino on the lasting influence of director Federico Fellini;New interview with Italian poet and Fellini friend Valerio Magrelli; Images from the Felliniana archive of collector Don Young, Trailer; PLUS: An essay by film scholar David Forgacs Order the Blu-ray Suggested list price for each Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed throughout December.Posted Mon Sep 19, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Here Are The Top Six Highlights from CEDIA 2016[teaser]It's been a blur.[/teaser] CEDIA 2016 was notable for a few things, not the least of which was an ever-present sense of overwhelming tech. From my relatively limited traipsing through the world of CEDIA members, I've picked out a few highlights to share with our readers. And let me note here, one of the best things about CEDIA 2016 was the every present nature of Ultra HD Blu-ray. (No booth was complete without a player running a demo.) And of course, with so many audio installations and custom theaters considerations, there were very few who neglected to mention how both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X could either serve or be served by better arrays of gear. Sony UBP-X1000ES At long last, Sony has their first entry into the world of Ultra HD Blu-ray players. But there is catch, this ES model is only for integrators. (It's pictured here adjacent with a Control4 EA Series Controller). Even so, it's a pretty clear view of what we can expect when the consumer version is finally announced. (Access to more thorough settings for one, but not necessarily SACD and DVD-Audio support.) The Ultra HD Blu-ray was just one part of Sony's booth, but, at least for this event, Sony made it clear that HDR is an important focus in the current line, both in the Master Drive TVs and in projectors like the VPL-VW5000ES. KEF Blade Two With good reason, most of the serious audio demonstrations at CEDIA 2016 required at the least a demonstration enclosure, and at the most indulgent, a suite. The KEF Blade Two, however, stood in a pair right in the open middle of the KEF booth. That stereo image, produced by two Blade Twos running off of a Hegel H360 (and networked FLAC tracks), was so poised in the din of the convention center and the booth, I had trouble even thinking of places in homes and well, luxury hotels, that wouldn't be made better with a pair of the large but not intimidating speakers. Naturally, the rest of the booth, which housed gems like the KEF Ci Series, had that kid in a toy store feel. The software the KEF has developed to model an install and illustrate how each piece fits into a room, this is what we need more of. LG Signature OLED77G6P During this past year, if you haven't had the pleasure of meeting the LG Signature OLED65G6P, now might be the time to take the pilgrimage. Not only is the OLED65G6P basically breathe-taking in that undeniable beauty time of way, but the undeniability applies to both the picture and form. And here, in mid-to-late 2016, what could LG do to top this show-stopper? That would be to debut a 77" version. This new model exudes the same lines, but in a greater size more apropos of in-home cinema. The reason I say that now is a good time to make the trek to see the Signature line is that the 77" (and its even bigger $20k price tag) is already ready at certain showrooms in the States. Modulus Media Hub The Modulus Media Hub promises a lot, including DVD and Blu-ray archiving, a wealth of streaming service support, a base 6TB capacity with external expansion, 4K support, remote media access, and a DVR capability that applies to everything (including streaming). But what struck me is that the Modulus has the hardware (apparently) to also host Ultra HD Blu-rays. Unfortunately, that particular capability is not a certainty. Monolith M1060 Planar Headphones Monoprice had a lot to show, and what was there paints an image of Monoprice getting further into the active part of sound. But among the offerings on hand, the Monolith M1060 Planar Headphones seem destined to create a whole new breed of audiophiles. Likewise, the M560 Planar Headphones, which quickly go from a closed design to an open one, could be the next cult-following in headphones. (But you better have some amplification.) Bose Lifestyle 650 At more than one place at the convention, Bose had its most important new product on-hand. That would be the SoundTouch 300. It's one of the new line, a line that now supports HDCP 2.2. But the lovely glasstop of the soundbar hides a few secrets. For one, it uses reflected sound (the PhaseGuide) to present something much wider than its body, and secondly, it supports both an optional Acoustimass 300 wireless bass module and the Virtually Invisible 300 wireless surround speakers. These extra bits can be hardwired if desired, and make the system wonderfully scalable. But where I was drawn to was the Lifestyle 650 and its 6 HDCP 2.2 HDMI ports. The exclusive OmniJewel satellite speakers are like aluminum block dreams with a clean look, and potentially, an even cleaner install. And yet it's in action where the speaker's radical design begins to make sense as the 5.1 system uses 360 degree sound (per speaker) to create a sound field that really has to be experienced to be understood. Some other things that caught my attention but didn't make this list include the Stewart Filmscreen VistaScope T&G, the EarthQuake WiFi Audio Module (and their transducers!), the Integra DRX-R1 11.2/7.2.4 Research Series AVR, the powerful and compact GoldenEar SuperSub X, the HDRless BeoVision, the Middle Atlantic DC Power Distribution (and rack mounts), and the SunBrite TV Signature series.Posted Mon Sep 19, 2016 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Releases Trailer for 'Easy,' Streaming Premiere Set for September 22[teaser]The new anthology series is heading to Netflix later this month. [/teaser] Netflix has released a trailer for its latest original show, 'Easy.' The series is set to premiere on September 22 exclusively through Netflix. 'Easy' is an anthology series from creator Joe Swanberg that explores diverse Chicago characters as they fumble through the modern maze of love, sex, technology and culture. The eight-episode series, written and directed by Swanberg, features Orlando Bloom, Malin Akerman, Jake Johnson, Marc Maron, Dave Franco, Hannibal Buress, Emily Ratajkowski, Michael Chernus, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Aya Cash, Jane Adams, Elizabeth Reaser, Evan Jonigkeit, Aislinn Derbez, Mauricio Ochmann and more. Check out the official trailer below! Creator Joe Swanberg's previous credits include directing duties on 'Drinking Buddies' and 'Happy Christmas.' Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Longmire' season five on September 23, 'Luke Cage' on September 30, 'The Ranch' on October 7, 'Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids' on October 12, 'Black Mirror' on October 21, 'The Crown' on November 4, 'True Memoirs of an International Assassin' on November 11, 'Lovesick' on November 17, and 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping new seasons of 'Chelsea,' 'Lady Dynamite,' and 'Real Rob,' a new sci-fi series called 'Travelers' from writer Brad Wright, 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,' Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It,' and a feature film adaptation of the manga 'Death Note.' A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Mon Sep 19, 2016 at 09:15 AM PDT by: -
'Death Line: Collector's Edition' Blu-ray Bound in 2017[teaser]The 1972 horror flick also known as 'Raw Meat' is coming to high-definition in the new year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Blue Underground is working on 'Death Line: Collector's Edition' for Blu-ray in 2017. For generations they've lingered beneath the streets of London. But now their last survivor has emerged, driven by a desperate hunger for human flesh! Donald Pleasence stars in this daring horror classic that dishes out heart-stopping jolts and hair-raising thrills. When a prominent politician and a beautiful young woman vanish inside a London subway station, Scotland Yard's Inspector Calhoun (Pleasence) investigates and makes a horrifying discovery. Not only did a group of 19th-century tunnel workers survive a cave-in, but they lived for years in a secret underground enclave by consuming the flesh of their own dead. Now the lone descendant of this grisly tribe has surfaced, prowling the streets of London for fresh victims...and a new mate. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Death Line: Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Mon Sep 19, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by:
