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LeEco Acquires VIZIO in $2 Billion DealPhotographs & contributions by Michael S. Palmer. [teaser]LeEco and VIZIO, Inc. have announced an all-cash $2 billion deal that will allow LeEco to acquire VIZIO over the next three years.[/teaser] As part of the agreement, VIZIO hardware and software businesses become a wholly owned subsidiary of LeEco. Meanwhile, the VIZIO founder and CEO, William Wang, will depart to run VIZIO's data business, Inscape, as a separate, privately owned company. "LeEco believes in breakthrough technologies, a complete ecosystem and disruptive pricing. Acquiring VIZIO is an important step in our globalization strategy and building our North American presence," said YT Jia, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, LeEco. "From its inception, VIZIO introduced a disruptive business model that changed the industry and aligns with our vision of breaking boundaries to deliver consumer-focused products, software and services." Who is LeEco, exactly? A global tech company with an open, integrated ecosystem of streaming content, platforms, and smart devices. In non-PR speak, this multinational company is a vertically integrated media-and-tech empire hoping to deliver original film, television and sports content to dozens of connnected platforms like smartphones and TVs as well as autonmoous vehicles and even futuristic looking bicyles that help you target a healthy lifestyle. For the Americans reading this, you may known LeEco best from their film division, LeVision Pictures, who, in addition to content made for Chinese audiences, co-produced the last two 'Expendables' films as well as the upcoming Universal-Legendary co-production, 'The Great Wall', starring Matt Damon. Another way to imagine LeEco's broad entertainment strategies is to understand that, in US markets, their content streams on services like Netflix while, in China, Netflix and the NFL and all sorts of American meida stream on their services, which are piped directly into their own line of Smart TVs. Meanwhile, VIZIO is a leading consumer electronics brand based in Irvine, CA. According to the NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, the company holds a #1 unit share in Smart TVs (based on total smart television units sold in the U.S. January - April 2016) and #1 unit share in Sound Bars (based on sound bar units sold in the U.S., January 2013—April 2016). "Fourteen years ago, I mortgaged my house to start VIZIO and since then, it has grown into one of the most well-known and respected CE brands in North America. As an entrepreneur, I couldn't be more proud of what has been accomplished," said William Wang, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, VIZIO. "As we enter a new chapter with LeEco, I'm humbled by the hard work and dedication of VIZIO shareholders and employees. Their unwavering faith in the brand and commitment to excellence is what made this venture possible. I'm excited to see how LeEco's global reach and resources will elevate VIZIO as we continue to bring great technology, innovation and value to our consumers." Under the definitive agreement, LeEco will acquire all of VIZIO's hardware and software operations, technology, and intellectual property. With that said, the VIZIO executive management team will remain in place and will continue its operations as an independent subsidiary. Likewise, the VIZIO brand and its products will continue to be sold through existing distribution channels along with support by the same North American-based, award-winning customer service. LeEco also promised to keep VIZIO's American customer service center, based in South Dakota, up and running for the forseable future. The deal is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2016. What can we take away from today's announcement? For those interested in VIZIO displays and soundbars, not much will change in the short term, and only time will tell what becomes of VIZIO brand gear, which is on a hot streak of innovation and performance-for-value. Hopefully standards will continue to rise. I think the largest question will be the fate of VIZIO SmartCast, a wireless ecosystem that utilizes Google Cast to transform VIZIO displays and soundbars into media hubs for smartphones and tablets. We recently reviewed the VIZIO P-Series Ultra HD Home Theatre Display and very much enjoyed this new interface, but will LeEco -- a company focsed on apps and with an entire stable of content ready for distribution -- allow for a thirdparty ecosystem when they could have total control. I'm not sure. In the long term, while it's a shame to see one less strong American brand in the world, there is some excitement to the notion that VIZIO dispalys could become a hub for international connectivity -- a chance to enjoy content from all around the world. Source: VIZIO via PR NewswirePosted Tue Jul 26, 2016 at 12:24 PM PDT by: -
Thea Sharrock's 'Me Before You' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The drama starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin is planned for Blu-ray in August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers will be releasing 'Me Before You' on Blu-ray on August 30. When Louisa Clark—Lou, as she's known—unexpectedly loses her waitressing job she must scramble to replace the income that her tight-knit family depends upon. Desperation drives her to take a job as a caregiver to Will Traynor, a man who used to be a wealthy banker with an adventurous soul, living life to the very fullest, but for whom those days are in the past. After a tragic accident, Will lost the desire to live and now keeps everyone at a distance with his caustic, overbearing attitude. But unlike his family, Lou refuses to tiptoe around him or cater to his moods. In fact, her sparkling personality and easy nature are hard for even Will to ignore, and soon enough each becomes exactly what the other needs. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Me Before You: From Page to Screen; Outtakes; and Deleted Scenes. You can find the latest specs for 'Me Before You' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 30. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Jul 26, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Apple TV Adds Adobe Lightroom App for Photo Viewing & Sharing[teaser]The new photo app is now available on the Apple TV set-top box. [/teaser] Apple and Adobe have announced the addition of Lightroom to the Apple TV app store. With Lightroom, users can view their picture collections on their TVs. The Lightroom app for Apple TV allows customers to view and share all of their latest photos and edits synced from their Lightroom software, including photos uploaded via Lightroom CC on desktops, Lightroom on mobile, or Lightroom on the web. Once synced, customers can quickly navigate through all their images on their big screen TVs. Likewise, users can share their photos one by one in a slideshow, along with the option to stop and zoom in on specific images for more detail. Adobe Lightroom for Apple TV requires a 4th Generation Apple TV and a Creative Cloud subscription to login. The app is now available for download from the Apple TV app store free of charge. Outside of Lightroom, the Apple TV also recently launched a NASA streaming app, the Sling TV streaming platform, and the Tribeca Shortlist streaming service. Likewise, Apple recently announced an update with new Siri features and a single sign-on option for the media player. As part of the update, the Apple TV will receive several new Siri features, including the ability to search across more apps, YouTube search, topic search, and the option to tune into more live channels. Likewise, this fall users will also gain access to a single sign-on option, allowing customers to authenticate all the video channels from their pay-TV providers by signing in just once. In addition, updates for Apple Music, Photos, the Apple TV Remote App, and more are also part of the new upgrade. Source: AdobePosted Tue Jul 26, 2016 at 10:15 AM PDT by: -
Mick Garris' 'Psycho IV: The Beginning' Blu-ray Supplements Revealed[teaser]The bonus materials for the 1990 horror flick starring Anthony Perkins have now been detailed. [/teaser] As previously reported, Scream Factory says 'Psycho IV: The Beginning' will arrive on Blu-ray on August 23. A seemingly rehabilitated Norman Bates is drawn to a late night radio show where the host encourages him to share his views on the topic of matricide - the murder of a mother by her own child. Reliving his childhood, Norman recounts his trials as a young boy living with his widowed schizophrenic mother. These haunting memories are more than just disturbing visions of the past; they threaten to rekindle his killing urge in this spine-tingling thriller. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: NEW Audio Commentary with director Mick Garris, actors Henry Thomas and Olivia Hussey; NEW The Making of Mother – an interview with make-up effects artist Tony Gardner (27 minutes); Rare Behind-the-Scenes footage from director Mick Garris; and Photo Gallery of rare photos from Mick Garris. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $27.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Psycho IV: The Beginning' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 23. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Jul 26, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Jack Irish: Season 1' Starring Guy Pearce Arriving on Blu-ray Next Week[teaser]All six episodes featuring the Australian antihero will be coming to Blu-ray in a two-disc set. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Acorn Media will be releasing 'Jack Irish: Season 1' on Blu-ray on July 26. Guy Pearce delivers a magnificent performance as the wounded but charismatic Jack Irish. When Jack is contracted to find a man with a criminal past who is then killed in front of him, Jack suspects a set-up. The case spirals into a larger international conspiracy involving Muslim extremists and born-again Christians. Meanwhile, Jack’s on-again, off-again girlfriend, journalist Linda Hillier (Marta Dusseldorp), leaves Melbourne to further her career as a foreign correspondent in Manila. Though the job is not exactly what she had planned, Linda quickly realizes she may be on to a big story. As their cases eventually intertwine, Jack and Linda’s reunion is tested by the arrival of Sarah Longmore (Claudia Karvan, The Secret Life of Us), a metal sculptor with connections. Called “a terrific writer; sharp, funny and ambitious” by NPR’s Fresh Air from WHYY, crime writer Peter Temple has won the Ned Kelly Award five times as well as the Crime Writers’ Association’s Duncan Lawrie Dagger for best crime novel. The 2-disc set include six episodes with lossless 5.1 audio and supplements include behind the scenes featurettes and a photo gallery. You can find the latest specs for 'Jack Irish: Season 1' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 26. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Jul 26, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Gary Ross' 'Free State of Jones' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The riveting action-drama starring Matthew McConaughey is headed for Blu-ray in September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal has revealed 'Free State of Jones' will arrive on Blu-ray on September 20. Oscar® winner Matthew McConaughey stars in this epic, untold true story of defiant Southern farmer, Newt Knight and his extraordinary armed rebellion against the Confederacy during the Civil War. Despite overwhelming odds, Knight banded together with other small farmers and local slaves and launched an uprising that led Jones County, Mississippi to secede from the Confederacy, creating a Free State of Jones. Written and directed by four-time Oscar® nominee Gary Ross (The Hunger Games, Seabiscuit), critics are hailing Free State of Jones as “riveting” (A.O. Scott, The New York Times). The Blu-ray combo pack will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: The History of Jones County. You can find the latest specs for 'Free State of Jones' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 20. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Jul 26, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Readies 'Mystery Science Theater 3000' Reboot with Joel Hodgson, Felicia Day & Jonah Ray[teaser]The cult favorite show is returning for new episodes on Netflix. [/teaser] Netflix has announced plans to stream the upcoming reboot of 'Mystery Science Theater 3000.' The show will be available exclusively through the streaming platform in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Mystery Science Theater 3000's national broadcast life began in 1989. Set on the Satellite of Love where a human host is trapped by mad scientists with his two robot sidekicks and forced to watch an endless run of B movies. The format proved to be popular, and during its eleven years and 198 episodes on the Comedy Channel and Sci-Fi Channel, it attained a loyal fan base and critical acclaim, including a Peabody Award and two Emmys® nominations. The Netflix reboot was initiated by a successful, record breaking crowdfunding campaign by creator Joel Hodgson and Shout! Factory through Kickstarter. Original creator Joel Hodgson will be joined by comedian Jonah Ray ("Jonah Heston") as the new host and Felicia Day ('Geek & Sundry') as "Kinga Forrester." Elliott Kalan ('The Daily Show') will serve as the head writer for the reboot, with Joel McHale and Dan Harmon also listed as additional writers. Mary Jo Pehl ("Pearl Forrester"), Bill Corbett ("Crow T. Robot") and Kevin Murphy ("Tom Servo") from the original cast will reprise their roles in the new show as well. The series is executive produced by Joel Hodgson, Richard Foos, Bob Emmer, Garson Foos, Jonathan Stern, Harold Buchholz and Elliott Kalan, along with Satellite of Love, LLC, Alternaversal Productions and Abominable Pictures. An exact release date has not been announced yet, but the new season will feature 14 episodes. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Mon Jul 25, 2016 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
Amazon Offers Sneak Peek at 'The Man in the High Castle' Season Two[teaser]New footage from the show's upcoming second season has been revealed. [/teaser] Amazon has released a new teaser and sneak preview clip from the second season of its original series, 'The Man in the High Castle.' The new season is set to premiere sometime in 2016 exclusively for Amazon Prime Instant Video members. Based on Philip K. Dick's award winning novel, and executive produced by Ridley Scott (Blade Runner), and Frank Spotnitz (The X-Files), 'The Man in the High Castle' explores what it would be like if the Allied Powers had lost WWII, and Japan and Germany ruled the United States. Starring Rufus Sewell (John Adams), Luke Kleintank (Pretty Little Liars), and Alexa Davalos (Mob City). The show has been nominated for four Emmy awards, including Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More), Outstanding Cinematography for a Single Camera Series, and Outstanding Special Visual Effects. Check out the official season two teaser below! And here's an additional season two sneak peek with an introduction from producer Ridley Scott. All ten episodes of 'The Man in the High Castle' season one are now available to stream exclusively though Amazon Prime Instant Video. In addition to 'The Man in the High Castle' season two, Amazon also recently detailed its 2016 Comedy Pilot Lineup, announced a premiere date for its new original kids series 'The Kicks,' and renewed 'Catastrophe' for a third and fourth season scheduled for 2017 and 2018 respectively. 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: Amazon (YouTube)Posted Mon Jul 25, 2016 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Reveals New Trailer for Baz Luhrmann's 'The Get Down,' Streaming Premiere Set for August 12[teaser]The 'Moulin Rouge!' director's new show is coming to Netflix in August. [/teaser] Netflix has released a new trailer for its latest original series, 'The Get Down.' The show comes from Baz Luhrmann -- the director behind 'Romeo + Juliet,' 'Moulin Rouge!,' and 'The Great Gatsby.' Luhrmann serves as executive producer and directed the first two episodes and season finale for the 13-episode series. Shawn Ryan, creator of 'The Shield,' is also on board as an executive producer. 'The Get Down' focuses on 1970s New York City – broken down and beaten up, violent, cash strapped -- dying. Consigned to rubble, a rag-tag crew of South Bronx teenagers are nothings and nobodies with no one to shelter them – except each other, armed only with verbal games, improvised dance steps, some magic markers and spray cans. From Bronx tenements, to the SoHo art scene; from CBGBs to Studio 54 and even the glass towers of the just-built World Trade Center, 'The Get Down' is a mythic saga of how New York at the brink of bankruptcy gave birth to hip-hop, punk and disco -- told through the lives and music of the South Bronx kids who changed the city, and the world...forever. Check out the main trailer below! Part 1 of 'The Get Down,' which includes the show's first six episodes, is set to premiere through Netflix on August 12. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Tallulah' on July 29, 'Last Chance U' on July 29, 'The Little Prince' on August 5, 'Project Mc2' season two on August 12, 'XOXO' on August 12, and 'The Crown' on November 4. 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 Mon Jul 25, 2016 at 01:15 PM PDT by: -
Paul Feig's 'Ghostbusters' Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray Pre-Orders Live![teaser]The franchise reboot starring Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig is heading to Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray later this year. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is preparing 'Ghostbusters' for Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray. 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! Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. 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' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Ultra HD Blu-ray Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jul 25, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by:
