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Pioneer Releases X-CM56 CD Receiver System for $200[teaser]The new audio system features Bluetooth with NFC functionality. [/teaser] Pioneer has announced the latest addition to its home audio lineup. The new X-CM56 CD Receiver System offers a variety of music playback options, a simple set up, and an elegant design. The mini stereo system is available in white (X-CM56W) or black woodgrain designs (X-CM56B) with two-way separate speakers (94 mm diameter cone woofer and 50 mm diameter cone tweeter) that can be positioned vertically or horizontally. Under the hood, the system uses a high-performance Class D Amplifier with an overall output of 30 Watts (15 Watts + 15 Watts, 1 kHz, 10 % THD, 8 ohms). Music playback is supported through an integrated CD drive, as well as an FM/AM tuner, USB port, and Audio in connection. In addition, the X-CM5 also includes Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music playback from smartphones, digital audio players, and personal computers. NFC functionality is also featured, allowing customers to connect NFC products to the system by simply holding their devices next to the unit. A Bluetooth auto-connect function and a Bluetooth standby function are included as well, letting the system automatically power on and start playback immediately when wirelessly connections are made -- even if the product has been switched off. Finally, the X-CM56 has a standby power consumption of less than 0.5 watts, and a power-off mode that places the device in standby when not in use. The Pioneer X-CM56 CD Receiver System is now available for a suggested retail price of $200. In addition to the new CD system, Pioneer also recently announced the launch of their latest AV receiver, the Elite SC-LX501 7.2 Channel Network AVR ($1,000), with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. Source: PioneerPosted Tue Aug 16, 2016 at 03:30 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Casts Anna Paquin, Zachary Levi & Sarah Gadon in 'Alias Grace'[teaser]The cast has been announced for the upcoming miniseries. [/teaser] Netflix has revealed cast additions for its latest streaming show, 'Alias Grace.' The six hour miniseries is based on the award-winning novel by Margaret Atwood and will star Sarah Gadon, Anna Paquin, and Zachary Levi. Sarah Polley ('Looking for Alaska,' 'Take this Waltz,' 'Away from Her') is on board as writer and producer while Mary Harron ('American Psycho,' 'I Shot Andy Warhol') is handling directing duties. 'Alias Grace' follows Grace Marks (Sarah Gadon) a poor, young Irish immigrant and domestic servant in Upper Canada who, along with stable hand James McDermott, was convicted of the brutal murders of their employer, Thomas Kinnear and Nancy Montgomery (Anna Paquin) in 1843. Nancy is Kinnear's housekeeper and lover, and while she initially befriends Grace, she begins to resent Grace and becomes increasingly jealous of Kinnear’s affection for her. Nancy eventually fires Grace in a fit of rage and is later found brutally murdered. "Anna is an incredibly versatile performer who always makes complex, unpredictable and fascinating choices in her work," said Sarah Polley, Executive Producer. "It's always a marvel to watch her and we’re thrilled to have her join the cast." An exact release date has not been announced yet, but 'Alias Grace' will be broadcast in Canada through CBC and streamed globally through Netflix. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Easy' on September 22, 'The Ranch' on October 7, 'Mascots' on October 13, 'Black Mirror' on October 21, 'The Crown' on November 4, 'Lovesick' on November 17, and 'Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life' on November 25. Likewise, the streaming platform is also prepping a new sci-fi series called 'Travelers' from writer Brad Wright, the third season of 'Bloodline' for 2017, new episodes of the documentary series 'Making a Murderer,' 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 Tue Aug 16, 2016 at 03:00 PM PDT by: -
LG Debuts "Channel Plus" Service with Free Streaming Content on 2016 LG Smart TVs[teaser]The new app offers a wide variety of free digital streaming content on LG smart TVs. [/teaser] LG has announced the launch of its "Channel Plus" app. Channel Plus is a streaming service powered by Xumo with access to a growing collection of free digital content channels through 2016 LG Smart TVs featuring webOS 3.0. "Channel Plus is a huge step forward in the evolution of Smart TV – and only LG offers it. Users can enjoy nearly 50 quality content choices free of charge on their LG Smart TV, and with webOS 3.0, accessing them has never been simpler or faster," said David VanderWaal, vice president of marketing, LG Electronics USA. "By delivering premium Internet content seamlessly with broadcast channels together in the same channel lineup, LG aims to make it easier than ever for consumers to find and enjoy the content they want to watch in one centralized place – whether it’s streaming or broadcast." Channel Plus organizes its streaming content as TV channels alongside regular over-the-air stations. This means that users can navigate between traditional digital broadcast channels and Channel Plus content through the same unified program guide without launching a separate app. The Channel Plus service currently offers nearly 50 channels, providing entertainment, sports, news and lifestyle programming. Notable broadcasters and online publications in the lineup include TIME, PBS Digital Studios, WIRED, Saveur, Cooking Light, GQ, Sports Illustrated, BuzzFeed, Mashable, Reuters, FailArmy and Funny or Die. Likewise, Channel Plus offers both live and on-demand viewing options. "It has been truly exciting partnering with LG in developing Channel Plus. This new service represents an important step forward for the OTT space by streamlining the viewing experience for the Smart TV user through seamless, native content integration," said Colin Petrie-Norris, CEO of Xumo. "The Channel Plus service aligns perfectly with our DNA at Xumo as it delivers free premium programming in an organic and accessible way. With Channel Plus, all the cool content we used to have to search the web high and low for is now aggregated and attractively organized in one innovative solution on LG Smart TVs." Channel Plus is now rolling out through a software update to 2016 LG Smart TVs with webOS 3.0, including the company's SUPER UHD and OLED TVs. Source: LGPosted Tue Aug 16, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Central Intelligence' Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray Dated & Detailed[teaser]The action-comedy with little Hart and a big Johnson arrives on Blu-ray in September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers is preparing 'Central Intelligence' for Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray on September 27. The story follows a one-time bullied geek, Bob (Dwayne Johnson), who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent, coming home for his high school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, Bob enlists the help of former “big man on campus,” Calvin (Kevin Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before the staid numbers-cruncher realizes what he’s getting into, it’s too late to get out, as his increasingly unpredictable new friend drags him through a world of shoot-outs, double-crosses and espionage that could get them both killed in more ways than Calvin can count. Each release will include both the theatrical and unrated (additional 8 minutes) cuts of the film and supplements will include: Director's Commentary; Gag Reel; Alternate Scenes; Line-O-Rama; Couch Scene; and Dance-Off. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.99. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray is 42.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Central Intelligence' 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 Tue Aug 16, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Preps 'Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan' Starring John Krasinski[teaser]The Tom Clancy hero will return in a new streaming series for Amazon. [/teaser] Amazon has greenlit its latest original series for Prime Video. 'Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan' comes from Paramount and Skydance Television, and is set to star John Krasinski ('13 Hours,' 'The Office') as the title character. 'Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan' follows an up-and-coming CIA analyst thrust into a dangerous field assignment for the first time. Set to executive produce are Carlton Cuse ('Lost,' 'Bates Motel') and Graham Roland ('Almost Human'), who wrote the pilot based on a story he and Cuse developed. The series follows Ryan (Krasinski) as he uncovers a pattern in terrorist communication that launches him into the center of a dangerous gambit with a new breed of terrorism that threatens destruction on a global scale. Jack Ryan is set to be co-produced with Paramount and Skydance Television, executive produced by Platinum Dunes’ Michael Bay, Brad Fuller, and Andrew Form ('Transformers,' 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'), as well as Skydance's David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Marcy Ross, along with Mace Neufeld ('Patriot Games,' 'Clear and Present Danger,' 'The Sum of All Fears' and 'Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit') and Lindsey Springer. "We're excited to add the Jack Ryan global franchise to our robust originals pipeline," said Roy Price, Head of Amazon Studios. "Our customers will enjoy a compelling adaptation of the action-packed spy thriller book series, further raising the bar for the quality level of storytelling that has made Prime Video a leading destination for content." An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the series will consist of 10, one hour episodes with shooting locations anticipated for US, Europe, and Africa. A current Amazon Prime subscription costs $99 per year or $11 per month. Likewise, Prime Instant Video is available as a standalone service for $8 per month. Source: AmazonPosted Tue Aug 16, 2016 at 10:45 AM PDT by: -
Leslie Stevens' 'Private Property' Blu-ray Dated & Detailed[teaser]The long lost 1960 thriller will be heading for high-definition in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Cinelicious Pics says 'Private Property' will be available on Blu-ray on October 11. Director Stevens, who died in 1998, was a protégé of Orson Welles, and went on to create the classic sci-fi series "The Outer Limits" (1963 - 65), and direct the wonderfully-weird supernatural feature Incubus (1966) starring William Shatner. Private Property was Stevens' first feature as director. Private Property begins as two homicidal Southern California drifters (played to creepy perfection by Warren Oates and Corey Allen) wander off the beach and into the seemingly-perfect Beverly Hills home of an unhappy housewife (played by Leslie Stevens' real-life spouse, Kate Manx). Shimmering with sexual tension and lensed in stunning B&W by master cameraman Ted McCord (The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, East of Eden), Private Property is both an eerie, neo-Hitchcockian thriller and a savage critique of the hollowness of the Playboy-era American Dream. Warren Oates delivers his first great screen performance here as one of the murderous vagabonds, years before he emerged as one of the finest character actors of his generation; his bizarre, voyeuristic Lennie-and-George relationship with the underrated Corey Allen (James Dean's hot rod rival in Rebel Without a Cause) is fueled by a barely-suppressed homoeroticism. Shot almost entirely in the Beverly Hills home where director Stevens and lead actress Manx lived at the time, Private Property has a deeply unnerving autobiographical feel to it. (Manx tragically committed suicide several years after the film opened.). The Blu-ray/DVD combo will be a limited edition of 3,000 units and will feature a NEW 4K restoration from previously lost film elements rediscovered and preserved by UCLA Film and Television Archive and supplements will include: NEW video interview with Still Photographer and Technical Consultant Alex Singer; NEW essay by Don Malcom; and U.S. theatrical trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'Private Property' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 11. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Aug 16, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Arrow Video Details 'Bride of Re-Animator' Blu-ray[teaser]The horror comedy sequel is coming to Blu-ray in October. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Arrow Video is preparing 'Bride of Re-Animator' for Blu-ray on October 18. The success of Stuart Gordon's hit horror-comedy Re-animator meant that a sequel was all but inevitable. The resulting follow-up, Bride of Re-animator this time helmed by director Brian Yuzna (Society, Return of the Living Dead III) would prove that there was a good deal more life (and death) left in the story of Dr Herbert West and his ghoulish exploits. It has been eight months since the bloody massacre at the Miskatonic medical school. Unperturbed by the disastrous outcome of his previous meddling with the dead, Dr West (again played by Jeffrey Combs) continues his research into the phenomenon of re-animation; only this time, he plans to create life starting with the heart of his young protégé Dan's dearly deceased, Meg Halsey. Surely nothing could go wrong? With special effects master Screaming Mad George (the man behind the infamous "shunting" sequence of Society) on hand to contribute a host of characteristically weird and wonderful creations, Bride of Re-animator is a more than worthy successor to Stuart Gordon's original cult classic. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an LPCM 2.0 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Brand new audio commentary with Brian Yuzna; Audio Commentary with Brian Yuzna, star Jeffrey Combs, visual effects supervisor Tom Rainone and the effects team including John Carl Buechler, Mike Deak, Robert Kurtzman, Howard Berger and Screaming Mad George; Audio Commentary with stars Jeffrey Combs and Bruce Abbott; Brian Yuzna Remembers Bride of Re-animator brand new featurette in which the director looks back at the making of the first Re-animator sequel; Splatter Masters: The Special Effects Artists of Bride of Re-animator brand new FX featurette with a wealth of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with Robert Kurtzman of KNB, Screaming Mad George, Tony Doublin and John Carl Buechler; Getting Ahead in Horror archive making-of featurette; Deleted Scenes; and a Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gary Pullin. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $39.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Bride of Re-Animator' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 18. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Aug 16, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Herschell Gordon Lewis Feast' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Fourteen of the Godfather of Gore's films are headed to Blu-ray in October. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Arrow Video is preparing 'The Herschell Gordon Lewis Feast' for Blu-ray on October 25. A special 'Shock and Gore' edition will also be available in very limited quantities. In 1963, director Herschell Gordon Lewis pulled a cow s tongue out of an actress mouth on camera, and in doing so, changed the landscape of horror cinema forever. That sequence was just one of numerous gruesome gags featured in Blood Feast, the film credited as being the world s first gore movie. It s no exaggeration to say that the modern gross-out movies of today owe their very existence to the pioneering efforts of H.G. Lewis. But whilst Lewis is most widely celebrated for his blood-and-guts epics (Two Thousand Maniacs!, The Wizard of Gore et al.), there s more to the prolific director than splatter. From tales of sordid photographers (Scum of the Earth) to sex robots (How to Make a Doll), from biker girl-gangs (She-Devils on Wheels) to youths-run-amok (Just for the Hell of It), and from psychic witches (Something Weird) to hard liquor-loving hillbillies (Moonshine Mountain), the filmography of H.G. Lewis reads like a veritable wish-list of exploitation movie madness. Now, for the first time ever, Arrow Video is proud to present fourteen of the Godfather of Gore's most essential films (including nine Blu-ray world debuts), collected together in a Limited Edition set (only 2,500 in the U.S.) and packed full of eye-popping bonus content. So put your feet up, pour yourself a glass of good ol moonshine, and prepare yourself for a feast H.G. Lewis style! Includes: Blood Feast, Scum of the Earth, Two Thousand Maniacs!, Moonshine Mountain, Color Me Blood Red, Something Weird, The Gruesome Twosome, A Taste of Blood, She-Devils on Wheels, Just for the Hell of It, How to Make a Doll, The Wizard of Gore, The Gore Gore Girls, This Stuff ll Kill Ya! Specs have not been announced yet, but supplements will include: Brand new introductions to the films by Lewis; Hours of extras including newly-produced interviews and featurettes, commentaries, short films and much more; Additional 2 bonus Blu-rays featuring 1.33:1 versions of Blood Feast, Scum of the Earth, Color Me Blood Red, A Taste of Blood and The Wizard of Gore [limited editions exclusive]; Additional bonus DVD: Herschell Gordon Lewis: The Godfather of Gore documentary [limited editions exclusive]; 28-page H.G. Lewis annual stuffed full with Lewis-themed activities plus archive promotional material [limited editions exclusive]; and Newly illustrated packaging by The Twins of Evil [Feast edition exclusive]. In addition, the 'Shock and Gore' edition will also include: Fully-illustrated 92-page art book featuring the definitive overview of the entire career of H.G. Lewis written by Stephen Thrower, with a brand new foreword by Lewis; 160-page paperback of the original Blood Feast novelization, written by Lewis; 7" vinyl single featuring select tracks from the Blood Feast score; 14 postcards featuring original artwork for all the films included; Individually handmade "super gory" eyeball; Shock and Gore commemorative barf bag; and Newly illustrated packaging and books by The Twins of Evil. Suggested list price for the 17-disc Blu-ray/DVD collection is $229.95. You can find the latest specs for 'The Herschell Gordon Lewis Feast' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 25. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Aug 16, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
LG 65G6 4K Ultra HD SIGNATURE OLED TV Named Best High-End TV at EISA Awards[teaser]LG's OLED TV continues to earn industry recognition. [/teaser] LG's 65G6 4K Ultra HD SIGNATURE OLED TV has been named the best high-end TV in Europe at the EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) Awards. In addition, LG's UH770V SUPER UHD TV was also honored, taking home the European Smart TV Award. "We are honored to receive EISA's most prestigious award for the fifth consecutive year and every award is just as rewarding as the previous one," said Brian Kwon, president of the LG Home Entertainment Company at LG Electronics. "This recognition confirms our belief that LG SIGNATURE OLED TV is an outstanding feat of engineering with breathtaking picture clarity and revolutionary design." The EISA Awards are conducted annually by a panel of experts from 50 European multimedia magazines. The participants evaluate products based on their technological capabilities, design, and innovation. The LG 65G6 SIGNATURE 4K Ultra HD OLED TV was singled out for its perfect blacks and dual support for HDR10 and Dolby Vision high dynamic range formats. In addition to the EISA Awards, the LG 65G6 also won the 2016 Value Electronics TV Shootout held back in June during CE Week in New York City. Here's a full rundown of LG's 2016 4K Ultra HD OLED TV lineup: (Below prices reflect current Amazon discounts) OLEDB6P – Flat-panel OLED TV (4K Smart TV with HDR) - 55-inch class (54.6 inches diagonal) model OLED55B6P ($2,997) - 65-inch class (64.5 inches diagonal) model OLED65B6P ($4,997) OLEDC6P – Curved-panel OLED TV (4K Smart TV with HDR) - 55-inch class (54.6 inches diagonal) model OLED55C6P ($2,997) - 65-inch class (64.5 inches diagonal) model OLED65C6P ($4,997) OLEDE6P – Flat-panel OLED TV (4K Smart TV with HDR and Picture-on-Glass design) - 55-inch class (54.6 inches diagonal) model OLED55E6P ($3,497) - 65-inch class (65.5 inches diagonal) model OLED65E6P ($5,997) OLEDG6P – Flat-panel LG SIGNATURE OLED TV (4K Smart TV with HDR, Picture-on-Glass design and harmon/kardon® sound bar stand) - 65-inch class (64.5 inches diagonal) model OLED65G6P ($7,997) - 77-inch class (76.8 inches diagonal) model OLED77G6P (Coming Soon) Source: LGPosted Mon Aug 15, 2016 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
Ang Lee's 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' Announced for Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The acclaimed action epic will be getting the 4K treatment in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony says 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Ultra HD Blu-ray' will be available on October 18. Two master warriors are faced with their greatest challenge when the treasured Green Destiny sword is stolen. A young aristocrat prepares for an arranged marriage, but soon reveals her superior fighting talents and her deeply romantic past. As each warrior battles for justice, they come face to face with their worst enemy - and the inescapable, enduring power of love. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Ultra HD Blu-ray' linked from our UHD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 18.Posted Mon Aug 15, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by:
