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Plex Announces New DVR Capabilities for Plex Pass Subscribers[teaser]Plex Pass users can now access their over-the-air and CableCARD HDTV recordings. [/teaser] Plex has announced the launch of Plex DVR. With the necessary setup, the Plex DVR feature allows Plex Pass subscribers to watch their HDTV recordings on virtually any media device from anywhere in the world. "We've put a lot of time into this release, and the result is a really elegant DVR, which takes advantage of all the power and intelligence of Plex," said Scott Olechowski, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Plex. "Plex rounds out the cord cutting experience with a beautifully organized, easy-to-navigate interface that makes all your content available wherever you go. Now you can view TV in a living room or on your phone, using a streaming stick in a hotel, or even on a plane when you're offline. The addition of DVR allows our customers to make Plex the heart of their media experience. No other solution comes close." To enjoy Plex DVR, customers will need a Plex Pass subscription, an HDHomeRun (HDHR) digital tuner, and any digital antenna. Once the HDHomeRun is paired with your Plex media server, users can record OTA content and watch it through the Plex app of their choice. This includes support for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire, NVIDIA SHIELD and other Android TV devices, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, and most Smart TVs. In addition to OTA content, Plex DVR also supports non-DRM CableCARD channels on the HDHomeRun PRIME network attached digital tuner. The Plex Pass DVR feature is currently available as a beta release for Plex Pass users. A Plex Pass subscription currently costs $4.99 per month, $39.99 per year, or $149.99 for a lifetime subscription. The media server platform offers a variety of features, including Mobile and Cloud Sync, Premium Music, full access to all Plex Apps, parental controls, and much more. Click here for our full review! Sources: Plex via Global Newswire, Plex BlogPosted Thu Sep 1, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest Essentials: August 2016Every month, dozens of Blu-rays hit shelves, littering stores with High-Def temptation. New releases, catalog titles, complete TV seasons, and elaborate box-sets all vie for attention, and with so many worthy releases targeting our wallets, choosing which discs to spend our hard earned cash on can be rather tricky. To make things a little easier, we here at High-Def Digest thought it might be helpful to bring you our top three must own recommendations for the month. From important classics to contemporary blockbusters, these are the discs that we consider to be the absolute cream of the crop. High quality releases with great video, audio, and supplements, these are the Blu-rays that are truly worth every penny. Last month we spotlighted a cinematic love letter to carefree youth, a beautiful animated adventure, and a punk-rock horror thriller. Be sure to check out the Essential Picks for November 2012, December 2012, January 2013,February 2013, March 2013, April 2013, May 2013, June 2013, July 2013, August 2013, September 2013, October 2013, November 2013, December 2013, January 2014, February 2014, March 2014, April 2014, May 2014, June 2014, July 2014, August 2014, September 2014, October 2014, November 2014,December 2014, January 2015, February 2015, March 2015, April 2015, May 2015, June 2015, July 2015, August 2015, September 2015, October 2015, November 2015, December 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, and July 2016. [teaser]For August, we're covering a visually stunning Disney adventure, a thrilling noir comedy, and a classic buddy flick. [/teaser] If you only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in August, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'The Jungle Book' - When it comes to directing, creating a fully believable world on screen is rarely an easy task. And when that world happens to require building a life-like, photorealistic jungle populated by talking animals all within the confines of an LA soundstage, some real movie magic is in order. Thankfully, Disney and director Jon Favreau seem to be in no short supply. Brimming with heart, this live-action/CG take on 'The Jungle Book' manages to breathe palpable life into its visually stunning artifice, blending innovative cinematic technology with good-old-fashioned storytelling to transport audiences into a gorgeous land filled with adventure, danger, and singing bears. To be honest, I was initially put off by the movie's extreme use of CG to create its sets and animal characters. Early on, actor Neel Sethi (who plays Mowgli) seemed oddly out of place compared to his surroundings, and the computer generated animals' facial performances appeared slightly off. But, once my eyes adjusted to this unique style, the undeniable beauty of Favreau's chosen aesthetic quickly revealed itself and the movie's various elements began to coalesce seamlessly, creating some absolutely draw-dropping imagery. And thankfully, the simple yet gripping narrative beneath these gorgeous visuals proves to be just as rich. Taking their inspiration from Rudyard Kipling's original stories and the 1967 animated film, the filmmakers do a great job of expanding the drama, weaving a rather engaging adventure about self-discovery, growth, family, and friendship. Likewise, the vocal performances from stars like Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Scarlet Johansson, Lupita Nyong'o, and Idris Elba are all bursting with personality, helping to make each intricately rendered animal feel real -- even when that animal happens to be a giant monkey who sounds just like Christopher Walken. Though it might rely on state-of-the-art computer wizardry, 'The Jungle Book' is packed with classic Disney magic, imbuing its breathtaking visuals with equally affecting soul. A thoroughly enjoyable remake, this is an entertaining adventure for all ages. And with an exceptional technical presentation and solid supplements, this Blu-ray is a simple bare necessity for all film fans. Buy the Blu-ray 'The Nice Guys' - What kind of people are Jackson Healy (Russel Crowe) and Holland March (Ryan Gosling)? Well, if the title of writer/director Shane Black's latest noir comedy is to be believed, then they're 'The Nice Guys.' But few things in any good mystery flick should be taken at face value, least of all titles. And in this case, "nice" might not be the most accurate adjective. Prone to drinking, cheating, lying, fighting, and even killing, the lovably flawed pair are capable of their fair share of decidedly unpleasant actions -- and yet deep down, both might secretly fancy themselves heroes. Fortunately for them, they happen to be in a Shane Black flick. And it turns out that in a Shane Black flick, heroes don't actually have to be nice at all. With its winding plot, the screenplay hits all the right detective story beats with stylish energy and a killer sense of humor, checking off all of the director's recurring trademarks -- including a missing girl, witty banter, and even a scene set during Christmas. But as involving as the actual narrative is, what really makes 'The Nice Guys' so special, are the guys themselves. Playing off each other beautifully, Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling become an unexpectedly perfect comedic duo, with Crowe taking on the more competent straight(er) man role and Gosling tackling the more overtly foolish part. In fact, Gosling virtually steals the show, displaying a surprising gift for physical comedy with impeccable timing. To this end, most of the film's funniest moments occur when March attempts, but invariably fails, to pull off something slick and cool, with Black sharply undercutting the character's fleeting bravado at every turn. Together, the actor and director turn frequent incompetence and accidental success into comedic brilliance. Coupled with some exciting action scenes and a fun 70s aesthetic, the movie offers laughs and thrills in equal measure, perfectly balancing slapstick, smart dialogue, and genuine noir suspense. Though supplements are disappointingly light, the 5-star video transfer and audio mix are both stellar. One of the most entertaining flicks I've seen all year, this Blu-ray is a clear must own... and stuff. Err, I mean, this Blu-ray is a clear must own. Period. Buy the Blu-ray 'Midnight Run' - How long does it take to get from New York to Los Angeles? Well, if you travel by plane, roughly six hours. If, however, you happen to be traveling by plane and then train and then bus and then stolen car while escorting a seemingly mild-mannered accountant who happens to be wanted by bounty hunters, the mob, and the FBI -- well, it could take considerably longer. A quintessential action comedy led by one of the genre's greatest odd-couple pairings, 'Midnight Run' continues to prove that memorable chemistry, entertaining performances, smart writing, and strong direction are all well worth a little extra travel time. Much like the previous title on this list, the movie's success mostly hinges on the relationship between its two leads -- Robert De Niro as bounty hunter Jack Walsh and Charles Grodin as wanted accountant Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas. And while that might seem like a rather bizarre coupling on paper, the actors' clashing temperaments end up contrasting perfectly, resulting in an effortlessly amusing and increasingly affecting friendship that plays to both performer's strengths. On that note, the filmmakers let their bond slowly evolve over the runtime, peppering in some healthy laughs, solid drama, and potent action scenes as the two attempt to make their way cross-country in one piece. Add in a punchy Danny Elfman score, and fun supporting turns from Joey Pants, Dennis Farina, and Yaphet Kotto, and the movie easily cements itself as a genre classic. With this Collector's Edition Blu-ray from Shout Factory's new "Shout Select" imprint, fans get a new and improved video transfer along with two audio mixes and a nice assortment of supplements. The disc might not carry a $100,000 bounty on its head, but the release still easily makes this month's "most wanted" list, offering an enticing reward for any cinephile. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this August, those are our top three must own recommendations. We'll be back next month with three more essential picks, but for now, what do you think of our selection? What are your choices for August's must own titles?Posted Thu Sep 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Bob Clark's 'Black Christmas' Getting Collector's Edition Blu-ray[teaser]The 1974 slasher film will be available in a Collector's Edition this holiday season [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scream Factory says 'Black Christmas: Collector's Edition' will hit Blu-ray on December 6. The college town of Bedford is receiving an unwelcome guest this Christmas. As the residents of sorority house Pi Kappa Sigma prepare for the festive season, a stranger begins to stalk the house. A series of obscene phone calls start to plague the residents of the sorority and it becomes clear that a psychopath is homing in on the sisters with dubious intentions. And though the police try to trace the calls, they discover that nothing is as it seems during this Black Christmas. "Stuffed with extremely tense moments, chilling cinematography, amazing characters and long-lasting dread… [this] genuine classic is completely deserving of every bit of respect and admiration it's picked up over the last 40 years" (addictedtohorormovie.com). No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'The Demolisher' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 6.Posted Thu Sep 1, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Unholy Four' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The 1970 spaghetti western will ride to the high-definition format later this year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino is working on 'The Unholy Four' for Blu-ray later this year. When a violent gang robs a bank, they also commit arson because the diversion eases their getaway. While the local prison is burning, four of its inmates profit from the general turmoil too. Among the four escapees is Ciakmull, a young man suffering with amnesia, who only remembers about his previous life that he has been home in the town Oxaca. For lack of a better idea all the fugitives go there. It shows that Ciakmull is not forgotten in Oxaca. Lion Udo, the father of one of the bankrobbers, recognises Ciakmull. He, whose clan has a feud with Ciakmull's family, takes advantage of his condition by turning him against his own kin. Before this plan works out, however, Ciakmull is warned on time by one of his fellow fugitives. Soundtrack by Riz Ortolani (Il Sorpasso, Don't Torture a Duckling). No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'The Unholy Four' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING.Posted Thu Sep 1, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Universal Details 'The Purge: Election Year' Blu-ray[teaser]The latest entry in the 'Purge' franchise will wreak havoc on Blu-ray in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing 'The Purge: Election Year' for Blu-ray on October 4. It has been two years since Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) stopped himself from a regrettable act of revenge on Purge Night - the 12 hours of lawlessness. This year, the annual ritual comes at the eve of a heated presidential election with the nation deeply divided between those who are pro- and anti-Purge. As head of security for Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell), Leo's mission is to protect her during her controversial and contested run for president. But when a betrayal forces them onto the streets of Washington, D.C. on the one night when no help is available, they must stay alive or both be sacrificed for their sins against the state. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Deleted Scenes; Inside The Purge - Featurette; and Character Spotlight: Leo - Featurette. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Purge: Election Year' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 4. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Sep 1, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
RIVA Unveils Wand Series Multi-Space Audio System Speakers, Prices Start at $249[teaser]The company has detailed two new wireless multi-space speakers. [/teaser] RIVA has announced the latest additions to its audio lineup. The upcoming Wand Series features the new Arena and Festival speakers. "Many talented people have worked very hard to bring such quality and flexibility at a very affordable price," noted company Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Rikki Farr. "They've created a compact, open system that consumers can play with any source. Finally, I can listen to the music of my past played back as close to LIVE as it gets in a compact system that integrates into any situation! Very rewarding." The Wand Series features multi-space wireless speakers with patented stereophonic sound, allowing users to listen to various music sources through multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi, DDMS, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, DLNA and Bluetooth. Likewise, the Wand Series offers support for a single direct connection or a whole-environment wireless networked audio system that can simultaneously stream to up to 32 speakers. In addition, customers can use the RIVA WAND app to easily create zones, stream different music/audio content through the environment, and voice control the system. The series includes the compact RIVA Arena and full-range tabletop RIVA Festival speakers, which both use the company's patented Trillium audio technology. The RIVA Arena features 3 full-range custom ADX drivers with 3 passive radiators for up to 101dB of sound. Likewise, the model can be configured for stereo pairing, and customers can add an optional 16+ hour battery pack for portable use. Meanwhile, the RIVA Festival uses 6 custom ADX woofers and tweeters along with 4 passive radiators for up to 106dB. Both speakers include analog and USB inputs with charge out for mobile devices, and the FESTIVAL also includes an optical input. In addition, both models offer high-resolution audio compatibility for up to 24-bit/192kHz playback. Supported audio codecs include MP3, ALAC, APE, FLAC, FLAC HD, HLS, WMA Streaming, RTSP, and PCM/WAV. The RIVA Wand Series is expected to launch in November. The Festival will retail for $499 and the Arena will retail for $249. The new series, joins the company's previously released RIVA Turbo X and RIVA S Bluetooth speakers. Source: RIVAPosted Thu Sep 1, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Mondo Macabro Announces Upcoming Blu-ray Lineup[teaser]The distributor has revealed three new Blu-rays set for release in 2016 and early 2017.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Mondo Macabro is preparing 'Suddenly in the Dark' for Blu-ray in early October. In addition, the company is preparing 'In the Eye of the Hurricane' for Blu-ray in late 2016/early 2017 and 'Night of 1000 Sexes' for Blu-ray in early 2017. 'Suddenly in the Dark' - In this psychological and supernatural horror thriller from Korean dierctor Ko Yeong-nam, a beautiful housewife becomes suspicious of her husband after the arrival of a young housekeeper carrying a strange wooden doll. Starring Yun Il-bong, Kim Yeong-ae, and Lee Ki-seon. 'In the Eye of the Hurricane' - Spanish-Italian giallo about a murderous menage-a-trois. Ruth separates from Michel after finding another man, Paul. When Ruth and Paul go on holiday for the summer strange things begin to happen. 'Night of 1000 Sexes' - A telepathic nightclub act becomes the backdrop for murder in this beautifully photographed and often overlooked masterpiece from euro-sleaze master Jess Franco. Starring Lina Romay, Daniel Katz, Carmen Carrión, Albino Graziani, and José Llamas. Specs, supplements, and suggested list prices have not been detailed yet. You can find the latest specs for all of the titles listed above linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under PENDING.Posted Thu Sep 1, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Paul Feig's 'Ghostbusters: Answer the Call' Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray Dated & Detailed[teaser]The franchise reboot starring Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig heading to Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray later this year has now been fully detailed. [/teaser] As previously reported, Sony is preparing 'Ghostbusters: Answer the Call' for Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray, and now the official date is October 11. Ghostbusters makes its long-awaited return, rebooted with a cast of hilarious new characters. Thirty years after the beloved original franchise took the world by storm, director Paul Feig brings his fresh take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working today – Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth. This summer, they’re here to save the world! The releases will feature the Extended Edition (133 minutes) & Theatrical Version (116 minutes), lossless 5.1 audio (Dolby Atmos on the Ultra HD Blu-ray) and supplements include: 2 Hysterically Haunting Gag Reels; 4 Unearthed deleted scenes; 11 Totally Possessed Alternate Scenes and more than 60 minutes of additional extended and alternate scenes with Ultraviolet download; 6 Jokes-A-Plenty alternate take reels; Chris Hemsworth is 'Kevin'; The Ghosts of Ghostbusters; Meet the Team; Visual Effects: 30 Years Later; Slime Time; Filmmaker Commentaries; and Photo Gallery. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.99. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is 45.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Ghostbusters: Answer the Call' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 11. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Aug 31, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates' Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The raunchy comedy heading to Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray in September has now been fully detailed.[/teaser] As previously reported, 20th Century Fox is preparing 'Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates' for Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray on September 27. You are cordially invited to the comedy event of the year! In order to avoid embarrassing their family, hard-partying brothers Mike (Adam Devine) and Dave (Zac Efron) place an online ad to find "respectable" dates for their sister's Hawaiian wedding. Instead, the boys find themselves out-hustled by an uncontrollable duo (Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza). Based on hilarious true events, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is the perfect marriage of over-the-top humor and outrageous fun! The releases will feature lossless 7.1 soundtracks and supplements include: Deleted and Extended Scenes; Alternate Storyline Pig Sequence; Bits on Bits on Bits; Line-O-Rama; Gag Reel; Funny Or Die Shorts; Director Commentary; Gallery; and Red Band and Theatrical Trailers. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is also $39.99. You can find the 'Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 27. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Aug 31, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Peanuts: Snoopy, Come Home' & 'Peanuts: A Boy Named Charlie Brown' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]Two 'Peanuts' classics will be available in stores this month. [/teaser] Paramount is set to release 'Peanuts: Snoopy, Come Home' and 'Peanuts: A Boy Named Charlie Brown' on Blu-ray on September 6. 'Peanuts: Snoopy, Come Home' - When America's most beloved beagle suddenly goes missing, the whole Peanuts gang bands together to bring him back home. With "Dogs Not Allowed" signs everywhere he turns, Snoopy and his newfound feathered friend Woodstock (making his big screen debut) leave the comforts of home behind and head for the highways in search of their true place in the world. Camping out, eating up and just living the life of the open road, the intrepid twosome make their way across the country, dodging possessive pet-collectors, less-than-hospitable hospital workers, and bullying bus drivers on their way to reveal Snoopy's secret past—only to discover that there really is no place like home in this heartwarming story featuring Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and the whole gallery of your Peanuts favorites 'Peanuts: A Boy Named Charlie Brown' - Join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang in their very first big screen adventure. Take a jazzy joyride through the streets of Manhattan, with delightful dream sequences, imagination-filled musical interludes, and icy flights-of-fantasy—all as Charlie Brown sets out to bolster his shaky confidence at the National Spelling Bee. The prolific, much-honored cartoonist Charles M. Schulz and franchise director Bill Melendez weave a world made of witty dialogue, magical security blankets and bright-eyed beagles, all set to an Academy Award-nominated score by Rod McKuen and Vince Guaraldi. The Blu-ray will feature a new high-definition transfer, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include The Real People in the Garden - Interviews with the people depicted in the book and movie; and the Original Theatrical trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'Peanuts: Snoopy, Come Home' and 'Peanuts: A Boy Named Charlie Brown' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they are indexed under September 6. Order the Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Aug 31, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
