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BenQ Reveals i500 LED Mini Projector With Bluetooth Speaker, MSRP Set for $749[teaser]The company's latest compact projector model has been detailed. [/teaser] BenQ has announced the launch of its newest projector model. The i500 is a smart all-in-one LED mini projector with an integrated Bluetooth speaker and wireless streaming support. "The i500 smart projector is an entertainment game-changer," said J.Y. Hu, vice president at BenQ America Corp. "At just 3.3 pounds and 3 inches tall just about the size of today's tablets, the i500 is a powerful and versatile device for even the tightest spaces. Simply turn on the i500 and you’re ready to stream videos and music wirelessly for the ultimate big-screen experience anywhere." The short throw projector can create images up to 80 inches in size from as close as 3 feet from the wall or screen in a native WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution. The model also offers vertical keystone correction and uses Colorific technology with a long life LED light source rated for 20,000 hours without lamp replacement. In addition, the back of the dual-sided device includes a pair of integrated 5W fine mesh covered chambered speakers to deliver clear audio without external speaker connections. Likewise, the device can also double as a portable Bluetooth speaker. Wireless LAN support is included as well with preloaded streaming apps like YouTube, Spotify, Vimeo, Netflix, Hulu and many others. Inputs include HDMI x 1, USB 2.0 x1, USB 3.0 x 1, audio I/O as well as a mic in. Finally, the projector also supports available game pads and controllers for video game use. BenQ's i500 smart all-in-one LED mini projector with integrated Bluetooth speaker is now shipping in the US for a suggested retail price of $749. Source: BenQPosted Mon Aug 1, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Baltasar Kormákur's 'Everest' Planned for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The mountain climbing drama will be getting the 4K treatment in September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal says 'Everest' will be heading to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on September 27. Inspired by the incredible events surrounding an attempt to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain, Everest documents the awe-inspiring journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms ever encountered by mankind. Their mettle tested by the harshest elements found on the planet, the climbers will face nearly impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival. The release will feature a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements include: RACE TO THE SUMMIT: THE MAKING OF EVEREST – The trials and tribulations of cast and crew as they journey to the foothills of Everest and beyond, battling the elements and forming deep bonds along the way; ASPIRING TO AUTHENTICITY: THE REAL STORY – Recollections of the tragic events of May 10, 1996, from those who were there, as the cast and filmmakers discuss bringing this harrowing tale to life with authenticity and respect; and feature commentary with director Baltasar Kormákur. Blu-ray exclusives include: LEARNING TO CLIMB: THE ACTOR'S JOURNEY – Cast members and the two film consultants who helped them prepare for the shoot discuss getting ready for the arduous production; and A MOUNTAIN OF WORK: RECREATING EVEREST – Bringing Everest to life required the filmmakers to recreate the mountain through state-of-the-art studio work and visual effects. The teams involved talk about how they made the seemingly impossible possible. You can find the latest specs for 'Everest' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 27. Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Mon Aug 1, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Lionsgate Readies 'De Palma' for Blu-ray[teaser]The documentary on the acclaimed director is coming to Blu-ray in September. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'De Palma' for Blu-ray on September 13. In this lively, illuminating and unexpectedly moving documentary, directors Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow engage in a personal and candid discussion with De Palma, exploring not only his life and work but also his singular approach to the craft of filmmaking and his remarkable experiences navigating the film business, from his early days as the bad boy of New Hollywood to his more recent years as a respected veteran of the field. In the end, what emerges is a funny, honest, and incisive portrait of a truly one-of-a-kind artist, and an exhilarating behind-the-scenes look at the last 50 years of the film industry through the eyes of someone who has truly seen it all. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'De Palma' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 13. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Aug 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Duncan Jones' 'Warcraft' Headed for Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The fantasy epic arrives on home video this September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal will be releasing 'Warcraft' on Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on September 27. The peaceful realm of Azeroth stands on the brink of war as its civilization faces a fearsome race of invaders: orc warriors fleeing their dying home to colonize another. As a portal opens to connect the two worlds, one army faces destruction and the other faces extinction. From opposing sides, an unlikely set of heroes are set on a collision course that will decide the fate of their families, their people and their home. So begins a spectacular saga of power and sacrifice in which war has many faces, and everyone fights for something. The releases will feature Dolby Atmos soundtracks and supplements include: Deleted/Extended Scenes; Gag Reel; The World of Warcraft on Film; The Fandom of Warcraft; Warcraft: Bonds of Brotherhood Motion Comic; Warcraft: The Madame Tussauds Experience; ILM: Behind the Magic of Warcraft; and Warcraft Teaser - 2013. You can find the latest specs for 'Warcraft' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 27. Order the Blu-ray Order the 3D Blu-ray Order the 4K Blu-rayPosted Mon Aug 1, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest Essentials: July 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 classic political satire, a genre-bending suspense film, and a stop-motion anomaly. 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, and June 2016. [teaser]For July, we're covering a cinematic love letter to carefree youth, a beautiful animated adventure, and a punk-rock horror thriller. [/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there are some SPOILERS for the discs listed. If you only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in July, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Everybody Wants Some!!' - Bros, babes, beer, and baseball. Those are the core ingredients that make up Richard Linklater's latest exercise in loosely plotted slice-of-life cinema. A nostalgic ode to wayward youth, unruly hormones, and endless partying, the movie mostly plays out through a series of late night ragers, drunken conversations, and sexual escapades -- but the resulting film is much more than just unfiltered testosterone on screen. Instead of a mere retread of 80s frat flick clichés, Linklater taps into the heart behind the tropes, examining the carefree joys of the college experience -- one six pack at a time. Serving as a spiritual companion piece to 'Dazed and Confused,' the movie follows a college baseball team in the early 80s as they let off steam during the last weekend of the summer. With no real traditional plot to follow, the runtime simply moves from day to day and party to party as the freshmen players get to know their new teammates… and their new female coeds. And really, that's about it. Seriously. There are no major narrative beats or twists -- and, outside of one romantic subplot, there really aren't even any conventional character arcs to speak of. In fact, Linklater often seems to go out of his way to avoid typical dramatic payoffs. For instance, one early scene features clear tension between a character and his roommate. In any other college flick, one might think that such a sequence would be setting up a movie-long rivalry that would force the two characters to overcome their differences. But here, the roommate simply goes out of town the next day and disappears for the majority of the story. And when he does return, things are mostly cool between the pair. In essence, Linklater forgoes forced dramatic formula in favor of naturalistic interactions, resulting in an uncommon sense of laid back realism. To this end, the director creates an unassuming level of intimacy between the protagonists and the audience, almost making it feel as if we are right there with the characters, hanging out and goofing around like we're all just another member of the team. And this familiarity ties us to the gang, connecting us to their experiences as Linklater gradually fleshes them out beyond the limitations of their early jock archetypes. And while the story might be exceedingly simple on the surface, the film ultimately paints a rather affecting love letter to capricious youth, leading to one of the most purely enjoyable viewing experiences I've had in a very long time. Sure, the characters might not really change much by the time the credits roll, but this isn't supposed to be a film about who they become. This is a peek into who they were during one particular moment -- drunk and horny and hopeful for what the next party may bring, or where the next game may lead, or when the next smile may catch their eye. Buy the Blu-ray 'Boy & the World' - Live action films have inherent limitations. After all, even with special effects and computer wizardry, there are still certain things that simply can't be captured in the real world. But animated movies don't have this problem. Though budgets might ultimately impose certain restrictions, in the world of animation, a director has complete control over their canvas, presenting a boundless tapestry limited only by the imagination of its artist. And thankfully, the imagination on display in 'Boy & the World' is nothing short of extraordinary. A timely parable about family, nature, class, and human bonds, the film becomes an abstract allegory bursting with pure creativity. Drawing a stick figure is one of the first forms of artistic expression that we learn as children, and the filmmakers behind 'Boy & the World' use this fact to great effect, expanding upon that childlike style to mirror the innocent perspective of the movie's young protagonist. And through the boy's eyes we bear witness to a wondrous and harrowing journey that takes the brave child from his small village to the big city. Along the way, the director constructs an evolving world full of surreal imagery, revealing hidden beauties and mounting dangers while examining thoughtful themes tied to dehumanization, industry, and the environment -- all culminating in a rather powerful wall-breaking moment where the animated canvas on screen literally burns up to reveal a live action world of destruction layered beneath the colorful drawings. But even with its larger social and environmental messages clearly on display, 'Boy & the World' never loses sight of the universal truths that rest at its heart. Taking the story full circle in its closing moments, the filmmakers weave a bittersweet tale about family, lost youth, human connection, and rekindled innocence, resulting in a masterful cinematic doodle that deserves to be hung prominently on every film fan's fridge. Buy the Blu-ray 'Green Room' - Slasher films often relish in gratuitous and sensationalized violence, dispatching characters left and right through increasingly elaborate kills meant to shock at the expense of any real emotional investment with the victims on screen. In the genre's lesser efforts, the characters really don't matter. They're just a means to another increasingly bloody end. But in Jeremy Saulnier's 'Green Room,' death is not spectacle. It's grisly, and gruesome, and painfully ugly. Gory kills fill the runtime with gut-wrenching tension and pulse-pounding thrills, but the director never loses sight of the inherent brutality tied to each life taken -- revealing powerful horror within each act of violence. Focused on a tense standoff between a young punk rock band and a group of white supremacists, the film takes its time building suspense and subtle character dynamics before unleashing an unrelentingly graphic assault of mayhem. Forced into survival mode, these otherwise innocent youths must defend themselves at all costs or accept certain death at the hands of their assailants. Various reversals keep us on our toes as the situation gradually grows out of hand -- and then, when all hell eventually does break loose, the director starts piling up the body count. But while the kills are among the goriest I've seen in quite some time, the deaths aren't played for exploitative thrills alone. Instead, these potent bursts of violence are all appropriately unsettling and disturbingly human. An undercurrent of pitch black humor also permeates the runtime, finding subtle comedy within the surviving protagonists' faintly offbeat, traumatized banter. But even with this subtle hint of levity, this remains an irrevocably bleak film. To be honest, I'm not usually a fan of gory horror thrillers like this, but 'Green Room' features a rare level of artistry behind its craft and depth behind its themes of survival and violence. This isn't a title for the squeamish, but for viewers who can handle gore, this will likely remain one of the most intense movies of the year. Jeremy Saulnier manages to elevate the slasher genre without sacrificing the bloody thrills fans have come to expect. Instead, he's just added some thought behind them. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this July, 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 July's must own titles?Posted Mon Aug 1, 2016 at 08:30 AM PDT by: -
'Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The CGI animated adventure will be available on Blu-ray in October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is working on 'Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV' for Blu-ray on October 4. The magical kingdom of Lucis is home to the sacred Crystal, and the menacing empire of Niflheim is determined to steal it. King Regis of Lucis (Sean Bean) commands an elite force of soldiers called the Kingsglaive. Wielding their king's magic, Nyx (Aaron Paul) and his fellow soldiers fight to protect Lucis. As the overwhelming military might of the empire bears down, King Regis is faced with an impossible ultimatum – to marry his son, Prince Noctis to Princess Lunafreya of Tenebrae (Lena Headey), captive of Niflheim, and surrender his lands to the empire's rule. Although the king concedes, it becomes clear that the empire will stop at nothing to achieve their devious goals, with only the Kingsglaive standing between them and world domination. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: "A Way with Words: Epic and Intimate Vocals"; "Fit for The KINGSGLAIVE: Building the World"; "To Capture The KINGSGLAIVE: The Process"; and "Emotive Music: Scoring The KINGSGLAIVE" . You can find the latest specs for 'Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 4. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Aug 1, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
The Critically-Acclaimed 'Dukhtar' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Pakistan's official entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Oscars is planned for Blu-ray next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino will be releasing 'Dukhtar' on Blu-ray on August 9. In the mountai are down 20ns of Pakistan, a young mother's life takes an unexpected turn. Allah Rakhi (Samiya Mumtaz) kidnaps her ten-year-old daughter Zainrab (Saleha Aref) to save her from a child marriage to a tribal leader. Their escape is a damning loss of honor for the two families. A deadly hunt begins for them. Desperate for help, Allah Rakhi strikes an unlikely deal with Sohail (Mohib Mirza), a cynical ex-Mujahid truck driver, to take them to the city of Lahore. What follows is an epic journey through the sweeping landscape of Pakistan where the search for freedom and love comes with a price. Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements include a director's commentary and the U.S. trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'Dukhtar' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under August 9.Posted Mon Aug 1, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Crackle Releases Trailer for 'StartUp,' Streaming Premiere Set for September 6[teaser]The new streaming series starring Martin Freeman and Adam Brody will hit Crackle in September. [/teaser] Crackle has released an extended trailer for its latest original series, 'StartUp.' The show is written by Ben Ketai ('Chosen,' 'THE FOREST'). 'StartUp' explores what happens when a brilliant, yet controversial tech idea gets incubated on the wrong side of the tracks by three strangers who don't necessarily fit the mold of "tech entrepreneurs." Set amongst the unconstrained, yet opportunist streets of Miami, 'StartUp' weaves a complex and exciting narrative, featuring the high-stakes struggle of what one will do to reach ultimate success. Forced to fund a tech company with dirty money from unsuspecting places while forming ties with a dangerous, Haitian gang, the fight to build a business pales in comparison to the fight to stay alive, especially when there’s a vehement FBI agent who wields the power to make or break those he comes in contact with—and not always for the right reasons. Check out the trailer below! The cast includes Martin Freeman ('Fargo,' 'Sherlock'), Adam Brody ('CHiPS,' 'The League'), Edi Gathegi ('The Blacklist,' 'Twilight') and Otmara Marrero ('Graceland'). In addition to writing, Ben Ketai also serves as executive producer and director. The series is produced by Critical Content and Hollywood Gang Productions. Tom Forman, Andrew Marcus, Ray Ricord, Gianni Nunnari and Shannon Gaulding are all on board as executive producers as well. Finally, Adam Brody and Anne Clements ('Cleaners') are listed as producers. 'StartUp' will be available for free through Crackle on September 6. Crackle is a free digital entertainment network that offers movies, TV shows, and original content. Other Crackle original series include Jerry Seinfeld's 'Comedian in Cars Getting Coffee,' 'The Art of More,' 'Chosen,' 'Cleaners' and 'Sequestered.' Crackle is available on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3, PS4, PlayStation TV, PSVita, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Android devices, and more. Source: CracklePosted Fri Jul 29, 2016 at 02:45 PM PDT by: -
Universal's 'The Secret Life of Pets' Blu-ray up for Pre-Order[teaser]The animated comedy is now available for pre-order. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing 'The Secret Life of Pets' for Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D later this year. In addition, a Target exclusive Steelbook Edition will also be available. Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, and Kevin Hart lend their voice talents to this action/adventure comedy taking a hilarious look into the lives of Pets. Set in a Manhattan apartment building, pets gather to start their day as the two-legged residents head for work and school. The head hound is a quick-witted terrier rescue, whose position at the epicenter of his master's universe is suddenly threatened when she comes home with Duke, a sloppy mongrel with no polish. The two soon find themselves on the mean streets of New York, where they meet the adorable white bunny Snowball. It turns out that Snowball is the leader of an army of pets that were abandoned and are determined to get back at humanity and every owner-loving pet. The dogs must thwart this plot and make it back in time for dinner. Specs and supplements have not been announced yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray 3D is $44.98. Suggested list price for the Steelbook is $22.99 You can find the latest specs for 'The Secret Life of Pets' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Blu-ray 3D Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Jul 29, 2016 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
ZVOX Readies New AccuVoice TV Speaker for Enhanced Dialogue Clarity[teaser]The new TV speaker uses hearing aid technology for better dialogue reproduction. [/teaser] ZVOX has detailed its latest audio product. The upcoming AccuVoice TV Speaker is designed to enhance dialogue reproduction for users with minor hearing impairment. "I went to my first rock concert in 1966. The Who. Fargo Civic Auditorium. $1.25 admission. My hearing was better when I walked in then when I walked out. I'm not alone. Millions of baby boomers with 'rock ears' are now listening to the worst sound systems in TV history. But baby, AccuVoice can fix that!" Tom Hannaher, CEO and long time Who fanatic. The AccuVoice TV speaker measure just 17-inches wide and features an enclosed aluminum cabinet with three high performance full range drivers. Using a computer processor with an advanced compression/equalization algorithm, the speaker is able to offer similar functionality to a hearing aid. This allows the device to effectively lift voices out of background sounds, resulting in superior dialogue reproduction. Likewise, the speaker's proprietary (patent-pending) technology is only activated when voices are present in a soundtrack. In addition, the model also includes ZVOX’s proprietary PhaseCue virtual surround system for three-dimensional audio. Two audio inputs are integrated as well: an optical digital and analog/optical 3.5mm. The ZVOX AccuVoice TV Speaker will start shipping in September for a suggested retail price of $250. In addition to traditional retail outlets an websites, ZVOX is also currently running an introductory Kickstarter campaign with early bird discount pricing. Outside of the new AccuVoice TV Speaker, ZVOX also offers a wide assortment of soundbars and soundbases, including the SoundBase 670 Home Theater Sound System (full review here). Source: ZVOX via PR WebPosted Fri Jul 29, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
