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Eiichi Yamamoto's 'Belladonna of Sadness' Blu-ray Dated & Detailed[teaser]The psychedelic 1973 animated film has received a 4K restoration and will be getting the Blu-ray treatment in July. [/teaser] As previously reported, Cinelicious Pics will be releasing 'Belladonna of Sadness' on Blu-ray, and now the date has been set for July 12. One of the great lost masterpieces of Japanese animation, never before officially released in the U.S., 'Belladonna of Sadness' is a mad, swirling, psychedelic light-show of medieval tarot-card imagery with horned demons, haunted forests and La Belle Dame Sans Merci, equal parts J.R.R. Tolkien and gorgeous, explicit Gustav Klimt-influenced eroticism. The last film in the adult-themed Animerama trilogy produced by the godfather of Japanese anime & manga, Osamu Tezuka and directed by his long time collaborator Eiichi Yamamoto ("ASTRO BOY" and "KIMBA THE WHITE LION"), BELLADONNA unfolds as a series of spectacular still watercolor paintings that bleed and twist together. An innocent young woman, Jeanne (voiced by Aiko Nagayama) is violently raped by the local lord on her wedding night. To take revenge, she makes a pact with the Devil himself (voiced by Tatsuya Nakadai, from Akira Kurosawa's RAN) who appears as an erotic sprite and transforms her into a black-robed vision of madness and desire. Extremely transgressive and not for the easily offended, BELLADONNA is fueled by a mindblowing Japanese psych rock soundtrack by noted avant-garde jazz composer Masahiko Satoh. The film has been newly restored by Cinelicious Pics using the original 35mm camera negative and sound elements – and including over 8 minutes of surreal and explicit footage cut from the negative. On par with Rene Laloux's FANTASTIC PLANET and Ralph Bakshi's WIZARDS as an LSD-stoked 1970s head trip, BELLADONNA marks a major rediscovery for animation fans. If Led Zeppelin had a favorite film, this would be it. In other words, Stairway to Hell. (In Japanese with English subtitles.). Supplements will include: NEW video interview with Director Eiichi Yamamoto; NEW video interview with Art Director Kuni Fukai; NEW video interview with Composer Masahiko Satoh; Red Band Trailer; Green Band Trailer; Original 1973 Trailer; and 16-page booklet. You can find the latest specs for 'Belladonna of Sadness' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 12. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon May 16, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Denon Unveils New X-Series AV Receivers with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X, Prices Start at $599[teaser]Two new receiver models with immersive audio support have been detailed. [/teaser] Denon has unveiled the latest additions to its X-Series lineup of AV receivers. The new AVR-X1300W ($599) and AVR-X2300W ($799) are both 7.2 channel models with Dolby Atmos and future DTS:X support. Likewise, both receivers include 4K video passthrough with HDCP 2.2 compliancy and HDR playback, along with high-res audio support. Here's a full rundown of notable features and specs: AVR-X1300W ($599) - Key Features- 7.2 channel AV Receiver, 80W per channel at 8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.08%THD- Built-in Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz/5GHz dual band support; built-in Bluetooth®- 4K/60 Hz full-rate pass-through, 4:4:4 color resolution, HDR and BT.2020- 6 HDMI inputs (incl. 1 front) with full HDCP 2.2 support- Dolby Atmos (up to 5.1.2) and DTS:X (via firmware update)- AirPlay®, Internet Radio, Pandora®*, Spotify Connect®*, SiriusXM™*, DLNA® 1.5*- DSD (2.8/5.6MHz), FLAC, ALAC, AIFF and WAV support- Audyssey MultEQ XT, Dynamic Volume and Dynamic EQ- Color-coded speaker terminals, Setup Assistant- Denon 2016 AVR Remote App- Intelligent ECO mode with off/on/auto setting AVR-X2300W ($799) - Additional Features- 7.2 channel AV Receiver, 95W per channel at 8 ohms,20-20kHz, 0.08%THD- 8 HDMI inputs (incl. 1 front) with full HDCP 2.2 support; 2 HDMI outputs- Advanced Video Processing with 4K Scaling for HDMI sources- ISF video calibration- 3rd Party control option; RS232C Port The AVR-X1300W ($599) and AVR-X2300W ($799) are both now available for pre-order through Amazon. Shipments are expected to begin on May 18. In addition, Denon also recently released two new S-Series receivers: the AVR-S720W ($479) and AVR-S920W ($579). Both models are 7.2 channel units with integrated support for Dolby Atmos and future support for DTS:X via an upcoming firmware update. Source: DenonPosted Fri May 13, 2016 at 02:30 PM PDT by: -
'Batman: The Killing Joke' Bound for Blu-ray in August[teaser]The R-rated animated film featuring the voices of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill arrives on Blu-ray in August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner will be releasing 'Batman: The Killing Joke' on Blu-ray on August 2. Based on the acclaimed graphic novel of the same name, Batman: The Killing Joke takes a journey into the dark psyche of the Clown Prince of Crime – from his humble beginnings as a struggling comedian to his fateful encounter with Batman that changes both of their lives forever. Years later, and now escaped from Arkham Asylum, The Joker devises a plan to prove that one bad day can make anyone as insane as he is – setting his sights on Commissioner Gordon. It’s up to the Dark Knight to put a stop to The Joker’s latest scheme and save one of Gotham City’s finest. Following a gripping prologue introducing Barbara Gordon’s heroic adventures alongside Batman as Batgirl, Batman: The Killing Joke stays true to the authentic tale that has held fans’ imaginations for nearly three decades – spotlighting the birth of a Super-Villain, the fortitude of a Super Hero and the punchline that will leave you speechless. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: An exclusive sneak peek at the next DC Universe Original Movie; Featurette – “Batman: The Killing Joke – Madness Set To Music” – Jim Gordon must bear witness to the most disturbing images any father could imagine while a maniac entices his break from sanity in song. This documentary looks at the step-by-process of one of the most crucial scenes in Batman: The Killing Joke, including the methodology James Tucker used as he storyboarded Brian Bolland’s stunning work for the screen; Dynamic Music Partners composers/lyricists’ creative merging of original music with the poetic words from the graphic novel to provoke the desired feelings and emotions for this critical scene; and actor Mark Hamill’s physical, devoted performance to capturing the world¹s most notorious Super-Villain in song; Featurette – “Many Shades of Joker: The Tale of The Killing Joke” – Brian Bolland’s artwork is instantly recognizable to comic book enthusiasts all over the world. Known for his amazing cover art, it was a rare inclusion into the body of a graphic novel, Batman: The Killing Joke, that helped the perennial story of Batman and The Joker remain a fan favorite for decades to come. Combined with the graphic novel’s original script – which is more than just the telling of a story, but an intricate map explaining every stop along the way to the end of a fantastic journey – this documentary reveals the artistic process behind The Killing Joke’s distinct style. We’ll learn how artists and writers excelled at conveying story and human emotion one panel at a time, mesmerizing readers with unforgettable stories and humanized depictions of heroes and villains. And why after nearly 30 years in print, Batman: The Killing Joke is more thought provoking than ever, as its socio-economic themes are relatable to generation after generation; From the DC Comics Vault – Two 22-minute episodes: The New Batman Adventures - “Old Wounds” and Batman: The Animated Series - “Christmas with The Joker”; and the Numbered Deluxe Edition will add an exclusive limited edition The Joker figurine. You can find the latest specs for 'Batman: The Killing Joke' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 2. Order the Blu-ray Order the Deluxe SetPosted Fri May 13, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Divergent Series: Allegiant' Planned for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The third film in the science fiction franchise arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate says 'The Divergent Series: Allegiant' on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on July 12. The third installment of the blockbuster Divergent series franchise, ALLEGIANT takes Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) into a new world, far more dangerous than ever before. After the earth-shattering revelations of Insurgent, Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known in order to find a peaceful solution for their embroiled city. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love. The Blu-ray combo pack will feature 1080p video, a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and supplements include: Audio Commentary with Producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher; Allegiant: Book to Film; Battle in the Bullfrog: The Stunts and Choreography Behind This Thrilling Sequence; Finding the Future: Effects & Technology; Characters in Conflict: The Motivations Behind the Film's Antagonists; The Next Chapter: Cast & Characters; and Building the Bureau. You can find the latest specs for 'The Divergent Series: Allegiant' linked from our 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 12.Posted Fri May 13, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'The Divergent Series: Allegiant' Headed for Blu-ray[teaser]The third film in the science fiction franchise arrives on Blu-ray in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate will be releasing 'The Divergent Series: Allegiant' on Blu-ray on July 12. The third installment of the blockbuster Divergent series franchise, ALLEGIANT takes Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) into a new world, far more dangerous than ever before. After the earth-shattering revelations of Insurgent, Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known in order to find a peaceful solution for their embroiled city. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love. The Blu-ray combo pack will feature 1080p video, a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and supplements include: Audio Commentary with Producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher; Allegiant: Book to Film; Battle in the Bullfrog: The Stunts and Choreography Behind This Thrilling Sequence; Finding the Future: Effects & Technology; Characters in Conflict: The Motivations Behind the Film's Antagonists; The Next Chapter: Cast & Characters; and Building the Bureau. You can find the latest specs for 'The Divergent Series: Allegiant' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 12.Posted Fri May 13, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
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'The 100: The Complete Third Season' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The third season of the science fiction series will hit Blu-ray in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Archive will be releasing 'The 100: The Complete Third Season' on Blu-ray on July 19. Based on the classic TV series of the same name, the film stars Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum as a couple of underachieving cops who go undercover at a high school in order to expose a drug ring. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: A Short Lived Victory: Unlocking the Season 3 Finale; Arkadia: From Wreckage to Salvation; Ice Nation: Brutal and Fierce; Wanheda: Clarke's Journey; Polis: Capital of the Grounders; The 100 Pre-Viz Stunts Season 3; 2015 Comic-Con Panel; Deleted Scenes; and Gag Reel. You can find the latest specs for 'The 100: The Complete Third Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 19.Posted Fri May 13, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
BenQ Details PV3200PT 4K Ultra HD Monitor, MSRP Set for $1,499[teaser]The new 4K monitor is now available for purchase. [/teaser] BenQ has revealed the latest addition to its display lineup. The PV3200PT 4K Ultra HD Monitor is geared toward video editing professionals. "Color accuracy is paramount to anyone working in the field of professional video postproduction," said J.Y. Hu, vice president, business line management at BenQ America Corp. "With the PV3200PT's accurate color reproduction and Eye-Care technologies, editing professionals will be able to work more efficiently and comfortably relying on a powerful tool that beats competitive products in its price point." The LED LCD monitor features a 32-inch 4K Ultra HD 3840x2160 IPS panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Designed for use with professional video and photo editing applications, the display offers support for 10-bit, 100-percent sRGB color, following the Rec. 709 standard. Likewise, the monitor achieves impeccable color and gray tone reproduction with a Delta-E value of less than or equal to two and a 14-bit 3D Look Up Table (LUT). In addition, the PV3200PT includes a brightness uniformity function, allowing the display to maintain a consistent image across the entire screen. ZeroFlicker technology is also integrated to help reduce eye fatigue, and the model features hardware and software calibration options. Preset custom modes can be used as well via the OSD controller, allowing users to easily switch between Rec. 709, EBU and SMPTE-C modes. Other specs include a 1000:1 native contrast ratio, 20M:1 dynamic contrast ratio, a 5ms (GtG) response time, and a 178/178 viewing angle. Finally, the monitor offers ergonomic customization for height, tilt, pivot and swivel adjustments. BenQ's PV3200PT 4K Ultra HD Monitor is now available through BenQDirect for a suggested retail price of $1,499. Source: BenQPosted Fri May 13, 2016 at 07:00 AM PDT by: -
'Boy & the World' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The acclaimed animated adventure will make its Blu-ray debut in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal will be releasing 'Boy & the World' on Blu-ray on July 5. Brazilian artist Alê Abreu's Academy Award-nominated masterpiece is a riotous explosion of music and color that critics proclaim is "one of the most beautiful animated features ever made." (David Noh, Film Journal International) Cuca's cozy rural life is shattered when his father leaves for the city. Determined to reunite his family, Cuca embarks on a journey that unfolds like a tapestry – the film's stunning visuals becoming more complex as his small world expands. The story of a changing world through the eyes of a curious child, Boy and the World depicts a clash between village and city, nature and industry, the rich and the poor – and despite the tumult, the heart and soul of the people beats on as a song. The Blu-ray combo pack will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: The Making of Boy & the World; Music Video: Aos Olhos De Uma Criança by Emicida; and Original Theatrical Trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'Boy & the World' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 5. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri May 13, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 27% off 4K Ultra HD TVs![teaser]Amazon is offering discounts on select 4K displays! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a sale on Ultra HD TVs from LG, Sony, and Hisense. Hisense 65H7B2 65-Inch 4K TV (2015 Model) - Currently $1,100 (27% off). Hisense 55H9B2 Curved 55-Inch 4K TV (2015 Model) - Currently $750 (25% off). Hisense 55H7B2 55-Inch 4K TV (2015 Model) - Currently $650 (19% off). LG 65UF9500 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD LED TV (2015 Model) - Currently $2,051 (18% off). LG 65UF8600 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD LED TV (2015 Model) - Currently $1,883 (15% off). Sony XBR55X850D 55-Inch 4K HDR Ultra HD TV (2016 model) - Currently $1,398 (7% off). These deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more sales and special promotions!Posted Thu May 12, 2016 at 05:00 PM PDT by: -
Alan Shapiro's 'The Crush' Blu-ray Supplements Detailed[teaser]The 1993 thriller starring Alicia Silverstone and Cary Elwes will stalk Blu-ray in June. [/teaser] As previously reported, Scream Factory will be releasing 'The Crush' on Blu-ray on June 2. A man who should know better. A much younger teenager. No way should there be any kind of romance between them. Yet from the moment 14-year-old Adrian met Nick, she was crazy about him. There must be something she can say or do. Some way she can show him this is not just a crush. What can she do? What won't she do? Romantic obsession has harrowing consequences in The Crush, a suspense thriller starring Cary Elwes (Saw, The Princess Bride), Jennifer Rubin (Bad Dreams, Screamers) and Alicia Silverstone (Clueless, The Babysitter) in her breakthrough role. Elwes plays Nick, at first flattered by Adrian'ss flirtation, then gripped with outright fear. Because what Adrian wants, Adrian gets. If she can't have her Mr. Right, no one can. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: NEW Audio Commentary with writer/director Alan Shapiro; NEW The Doting Father – an interview with actor Kurtwood Smith; NEW Stung By Love - an interview with actress Jennifer Rubin; Original Theatrical Trailer; and TV Spot. You can find the latest specs for 'The Crush' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 2. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu May 12, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by:
