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Amazon Adds Separate Prime Video Plan for $9 per Month[teaser]The streaming platform is now available as a standalone service. [/teaser] Amazon has added new monthly pay options for its Prime membership services. As part of the new plan system, customers can sign up for Amazon Prime and all of its benefits for a monthly fee of $11. Likewise, subscribers now have an option to sign up for Prime Video as a standalone service for $9 per month. Previously, the company only offered a yearly prepay plan for the complete package. The complete $11 per month Amazon Prime package currently offers: FREE Two-Day Shipping with no minimum order size on over 20 million items FREE Same-Day Delivery in eligible areas Unlimited, ad-free access to over a million songs and hundreds of playlists Instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV episodes with Prime Instant Video Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access Over 800,000 books to borrow for free, as frequently as once a month, with no due dates through the Kindle Owners' Lending Library 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals on Amazon and limited time events on MyHabit.com As an alternative, the $9 per month Prime Video plan solely offers access to the company's streaming library of movies and TV shows, including HD, Ultra HD & HDR (when available) titles. Likewise, the collection includes current Amazon original series like 'Mozart in the Jungle,' 'Transparent,' and 'The Man in the High Castle.' Upcoming Amazon original programming also includes a new series from Woody Allen, the NFL Films' documentary series 'All or Nothing,' and the animated series 'Thunderbirds Are Go.' Beyond their new monthly plans, Amazon still offers its previous yearly pricing option for Prime memberships as well. A current yearly Prime membership costs $99 (equivalent to $8.25/month), offering a 25% prepayment discount over the monthly plan. Meanwhile, rival streaming service, Netflix, currently starts at $10 per month for HD streaming and $12 per month for Ultra HD streaming. Source: Amazon via EngadgetPosted Mon Apr 18, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Gerard Butler Returns in 'London Has Fallen' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The explosive sequel to 'Olympus Has Fallen' heads to Blu-ray this summer. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal says 'London Has Fallen' will arrive on Blu-ray on June 14. When the British Prime Minster dies unexpectedly, Secret Service Agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) knows it is his duty to prep with Secret Service Director Lynne Jacobs (Angela Bassett) for them to accompany U.S. President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) to the state funeral at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. With every powerful world leader set to attend, the funeral should be the most protected event on Earth. Yet within moments of arriving, heads of government are assassinated and London landmarks are attacked. Asher, Banning, and Jacobs are ambushed and retreat amidst a hail of gunfire and explosives. The devastated British capital goes into lockdown. Banning will stop at nothing to secure Asher’s safe return home. Back at the White House, Vice President Allan Trumbull (Morgan Freeman) races against time brainstorming with top advisors in the Situation Room to get those trapped in London a lifeline of support and a way out. Outnumbered and outgunned, Banning reaches out for help to an English MI6 agent (Charlotte Riley) who rightly trusts no one. Failure is not an option as they attempt to stop the criminals from carrying out the final phase of their revenge plan. The Blu-ray combo pack will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include The Making of London Has Fallen and Guns, Knives & Explosives. You can find the latest specs for 'London Has Fallen' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under June 14. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Apr 18, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'Apocalypse Now: Triple Feature' Blu-ray Dated for June[teaser]The smell of napalm will hit Blu-ray in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'Apocalypse Now: Triple Feature' for Blu-ray on June 7. Nominated for eight Academy Awards, this classic and compelling Vietnam War epic stars Martin Sheen as Army Captain Willard, a troubled man sent on a dangerous and mesmerizing odyssey into Cambodia to assassinate a renegade American colonel named Kurtz (Marlon Brando), who has succumbed to the horrors of war and barricaded himself in a remote outpost. Also includes the 202 minute Redux cut and the documentary 'Hearts of Darkness.' Supplements have not been detailed yet, but the Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. Suggested list price for the 2-Disc Blu-ray is $19.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Apocalypse Now: Triple Feature' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 7. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Apr 18, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Universal Readies 'The Young Messiah' for Blu-ray[teaser]The biblical drama will arrive on Blu-ray in June. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing 'The Young Messiah' for Blu-ray on June 14. Inspired by Scripture and rooted in history, this story imagines a year in the boyhood of Jesus. Remaining true to the character of Jesus revealed in the Bible, 'The Young Messiah' is an inspirational story about the childhood of the Savior for the whole family. When the mystery of Jesus' divinity begins to unfold in His early years, He turns to His parents for answers. But Mary and Joseph, in an effort to protect their child, are afraid to reveal all they know. How do you explain the ways of the world to its Creator? How do you teach the Teacher? How do you help the Savior who came to save you? Follow the young Messiah as He and His family take the extraordinary journey from Egypt to Nazareth and on to Jerusalem – where His true identity and profound destiny are revealed. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: Deleted Scenes; The Making of The Young Messiah; and Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Cyrus Nowrasteh and Co-Writer Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD combo pack is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'The Young Messiah' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 14. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Apr 18, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Gear Deal Spotlight: Up to 78% off Speakers & Media Players![teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select media players and speakers! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's ongoing deals, Amazon is running a special sale on speakers and media/Blu-ray players from NVIDIA, Samsung, Sony, VAVA, Cyber Acoustics, and Anker. Sony HT-XT100 2.1 Channel Sound Base - Currently $110 (78% off). VAVA Voom Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Currently $83 (72% off). Anker Premium Stereo Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker - Currently $50 (58% off). Samsung BD-H6500 3D Blu-ray Player (2014 Model) - Currently $100 (52% off). Samsung BD-J5100 Curved Blu-ray Player (2015 Model) - Currently $45 (44% off). Cyber Acoustics 30 Watt Powered Speakers with Subwoofer - Currently $40 (20% off). NVIDIA SHIELD Pro 4K Streaming Media with Gaming - Currently $250 (17% 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 Fri Apr 15, 2016 at 05:45 PM PDT by: -
Netflix Reveals Showrunners for Marvel's 'The Defenders'[teaser]The superhero team-up series now has its showrunners in place. [/teaser] Following their work on season two of 'Daredevil,' Netflix has named Douglas Petrie ('Buffy the Vampire Slayer') and Marco Ramirez ('Orange is the New Black') as the showrunners for their upcoming original series, 'The Defenders.' "Doug and Marco captivated our members around the world with their continuation of the story of Matt Murdock in 'Marvel’s Daredevil,' and we can't wait to see how they and Drew will introduce the full Defenders team to our global audience," said Cindy Holland, Netflix Vice President of Original Content. 'Marvel's The Defenders' will feature a crossover team-up between Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist as they face their biggest threat yet. The series will star Charlie Cox, Krysten Ritter, Mike Colter, and Finn Jones, all reprising their roles from their individual shows. Douglas Petrie, Marco Ramirez, Drew Goddard ('The Martian,' 'Lost,' 'Alias'), and Jeph Loeb will all serve as Executive Producers for the mini-series. The show is being produced by Marvel Television in association with ABC Studios for Netflix. "We're incredibly excited to be able to bring our four street level heroes together in an epic tale woven by Doug and Marco whose work on 'Marvel's Daredevil' speaks for itself" said Executive Producer/Head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb, "they write and produce not only great action and adventure, but also the heart and touch of humor that's makes us Marvel. With the inclusion of Drew Goddard, we've got a team that's as formidable as the Defenders themselves." "This is the big one. Four amazing casts, four amazing series, now all in one amazing story," said Showrunners and Executive Producers Douglas Petrie and Marco Ramirez. "We are thrilled at the opportunity to deliver the show that both we and the fans have been waiting for." A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Fri Apr 15, 2016 at 05:20 PM PDT by: -
'The Jungle Book' in Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos; More Titles Coming[teaser]Last night we caught an advanced screening of Disney's 'The Jungle Book' at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California.[/teaser] The film -- which follows other classic Disney animation reboots like 'Maleficent' and 'Cinderella' -- opens Friday, and has been graded for Dolby Vision high dynamic range and mixed in the ultra immersive Dolby Atmos sound format. Dolby Atmos debuted theatrically four years ago on Disney/Pixar's 'Brave', and is now in 1,600 cinemas in more that 60 countries (to find one in your area, click HERE). More recently, Dolby Atmos expanded into the home cinema ecosystem where it remains a favorite sound mixing option for Hollywood filmmakers as well as audio geeks like me. Here are some upcoming films you'll soon be able to experience in Dolby Atmos: Hunt for the Wilderpeople, June 26, 2016The Secret Life of Pets, July 8, 2016Ghostbusters, July 15, 2016Ice Age: Collision Course, July 22, 2016Suicide Squad, August 5, 2016LAIKA’s Kubo and the Two Strings, August 19, 2016Inferno, October 28, 2016Passengers, December 21, 2016Monster Trucks, January 13, 2017The LEGO® Batman Movie, February 10, 2017Baby Driver, March 17, 2017Spider-Man, July 7, 2017 Dolby Vision is a newer technology that incorporates high dynamic range grading as well as support for the Rec 2020 color gamut (though most films are still graded to DCI P3). In theatrical implementations, Dolby and Christie built a proprietary dual-4K laser projection system capable of projection at 31fL of peak luminescence in 2D (double standard digital cinemas), and 14fL in 3D (two-to-three times standard 3D cinemas). All with a million-to-one contrast ratio. In 2016, thanks to partnerships with companies like VIZIO and LG, Dolby Vision content is available on Netflix and VUDU streaming services, and should become available on Ultra HD Blu-rays. When Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos are combined in one auditorium, the result is Dolby Cinema (I'm simplifying a little; for more info, read THIS). AMC Theatres currently has 15 Dolby Cinema auditoriums running in the US with four more "coming soon." Dubbed Dolby Cinema at AMC Prime, these theatres not only feature exceptional picture and sound, but also have uber-comfy leather recliners. Here are some upcoming titles you can expect to see in Dolby Cinema locations (with Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos): Hardcore Harry, Out NowThe Jungle Book, April 15, 2015Captain America: Civil War, May 6, 2016Alice Through the Looking Glass, May 27, 2016X-Men: Apocalypse, May 27, 2016Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, June 3, 2016Warcraft, June 10, 2016Finding Dory, June 17, 2016Independence Day: Resurgence, June 24, 2016The Legend of Tarzan, July 1, 2016Star Trek Beyond, July 22, 2016Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, October 21, 2016Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, November 11, 2016Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, November 18, 2016Wonder Woman, June 2017 'The Jungle Book' Wow. Just wow. I've been hearing good things over the last few weeks, but Disney's 'The Jungle Book', directed by Jon Favreau and written by Justin Marks, is the real deal, a family adventure movie that builds on its Disney heritage, while staking its own sense of tone and building out an animated universe in a mostly photo-realistic way (I'd say the VFX are like 90-95% on point). I'll leave the full review to Phil over at The Bonus View, but for me, this flick excels on all levels -- story, emotions, characters, visuals, sound -- and is easily the best of these Disney animation-to-live-action reboots. Of course, "live action" is a bit of a stretch as the film was shot mostly indoors much like 'Avatar' and 'Life of Pi'. Still, this movie really worked for me, Funny. Epic. Musical numbers. Edge-of-your-seat action. Jokes for kids and adults. Even pretty intense scares at times (careful with the littlest little ones). If you enjoy Disney movies or adventure stories, 'The Jungle Book' is a great family adventure, exuding fun in almost every frame (even the closing credits). Watch video! // Dolby Vision 3D Good news / bad news. With 14fL of peak brightness, Dolby Vision 3D is the clearest, sharpest, richest version of 3D available today. One problem: most Dolby Cinemas currently operating in the US only play Dolby Vision content in two dimensions, leaving one place to experience 'The Jungle Book' in Dolby Vision 3D: the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, CA. If you live in Los Angeles, run-don't-walk to see this movie there. If not, let's try to break down the film's visual components in a way that might help you figure out where to see this film. First, the 3D is gobsmacking. I know we have a number of readers who love the format, and they're going to be in heaven. Right up there with 'Life of Pi', 'Gravity', and 'Avatar', 'The Jungle Book' offers exceptional depth into the film's universe. Jungles and plains stretch on forever, while caves close in around you, making you feel as though you are there with the characters. There are a few pop-out moments too, but most of the film's presentation is about that window into another world. Sitting in my seat, I couldn't believe that most of what I was seeing was dreamed up in a computer. On the nitpicky side of things, there are a few moments where Mowgli is a little cardboard-flat when compared to his CGI surroundings. But overall, this is excellent 3D. If you don't live near a Dolby Cinema location and/or if you love 3D, definitely check out this version of the movie because who knows if Disney will bring this to Blu-ray 3D. Next, lets chat about the Dolby Vision high dynamic range grading. Granted, I've yet to see the SDR grading, so I can't specifically say what's improved, but I can say 'The Jungle Book' has been rendered lovingly and beautifully. 3D aside, what struck me was the variety of jungle environments. Boiling desert plains, muddy ravines, dense jungles, and everything in between. Each one offered oodles of contrast and dynamic range, with nothing peaking or blowing out. But the showstopping visuals come during any nighttime sequences that involve a roaring fire. Sparks and embers and flames glow a menacing red next to inky blacks and visible shadow details. I definitely need to go see this in 2D Dolby Vision to compare, but I think it's safe to say audiences are going to be wowed in the coming weeks. Dolby Atmos This sound mix breaks my heart. Why? Because even though Disney has been a huge proponent of Dolby Atmos in commercial cinemas, the studio has not announced support for the format on physical media or OTT digital. Which brings us to the artistic tragedy of the week: 'The Jungle Book' is must-experience Dolby Atmos. Right up there with 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes', 'Life of Pi', 'Gravity', and 'Mad Mad Fury Road', 'The Jungle Book' Dolby Atmos mix lifts up already-luscious visuals with an engrossing, world-building sound design. To put it bluntly, gone were the ornate walls of the El Capitan; instead the audience and I were in the jungle, immersed in the blowing trees and buzzing insects and flowing streams. Every animal voice, call, or growl resonated with depth and power. Rain poured down from overhead. Diving into rivers submerged us with the characters. And that doesn't even include individual object panning. Listen carefully for the eagles (hawks maybe?) who screech overhead. Close your eyes when Scarlet Johansson's velvet voice (as Kaa) lulls Mowgli into a trance by swirling around the audience. 'The Jungle Book' in Dolby Atmos is an audiophile's dream come true. Don't miss it; especially since we have very little evidence to suspect we'll get to experience this mix in our homes. (I was saying Boo-urns.) Final Thoughts Disney's latest live action reboot is a grand cinematic adventure worth seeing on the biggest screen possible at your favorite cinema. In Dolby Vision 3D, 'The Jungle Book' offers deeply immersive visuals in the same league as 'Avatar', 'Life of Pi', and 'Gravity'. The Dolby Atmos sound mix is equally a stunner, wrapping audiences in layered jungle atmospherics while placing pin-point object sounds overhead and all around. If you live in the Los Angles area, I highly recommend a trip to the El Capitan on Hollywood Boulevard to experience Dolby Vision in 3D and Dolby Atmos. If that's not possible, check to see if there's a Dolby Cinema at AMC Prime location near you (reminder: these will be 2D only). Locations are listed HERE. Since those are quite rare, search HERE for Dolby Atmos equipped auditoriums. Disney has yet to deliver a single movie to home video above a 7.1 mix, so this may be your only chance to experience this stunning sound design. What about you, Dear Reader? Assuming you're interested in seeing the movie, how will you be experiencing 'The Jungle Book'?Posted Fri Apr 15, 2016 at 12:15 PM PDT by: -
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's 'By the Sea' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]The romantic drama starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt is headed for Blu-ray in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal says 'By the Sea' will arrive on Blu-ray on July 5. Written, directed and produced by Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie Pitt, By the Sea follows an American writer named Roland (Brad Pitt) and his wife, Vanessa (Angelina Jolie Pitt), who arrive in a tranquil and picturesque seaside resort in 1970s France, their marriage in apparent crisis. As they spend time with fellow travelers, including young newlyweds and village locals, the couple begins to come to terms with unresolved issues in their own lives. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: Deleted Scenes; Gena Rowlands: An Inspiration; and Making By the Sea. You can find the latest specs for 'By the Sea' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 5. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Apr 15, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Highwaymen Live - American Outlaws' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The country music group will hit the stage on Blu-ray in May. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Columbia is preparing 'The Highwaymen Live - American Outlaws' for Blu-ray on May 20. 'The Highwaymen Live - American Outlaws includes' two audio discs recorded live at Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York,March 14, 1990; an audio disc with tracks recorded live at various Farm Aid Festivals; and a previously unreleased full-length concert film recorded live at Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York, March 14, 1990 and transferred from the original film reels especially for this collection. As an added bonus, The Highwaymen Live - American Outlaws debuts a previously unreleased recording of "One Too Many Mornings," an alternate take of a Bob Dylan song which appeared on Heroes, a 1986 collaboration album by Johnny Cash andWaylon Jennings. The track's new incarnation on The Highwaymen Live - American Outlaws includes vocals recorded by Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson in 2014, produced by longtime Willie Nelson colleague and band member Mickey Raphael and remixed by Tony Castle. The Highwaymen Live - American Outlaws compilation is produced by Mickey Raphael from original recordings produced by Chips Moman. The box set includes a booklet featuring revelatory new liner notes penned by noted music scholar and journalist Mikal Gilmore. Specs, supplements, and a suggested list price for the Blu-ray/3-CD set have not been announced yet. You can find the latest specs for 'The Highwaymen Live - American Outlaws' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 20.Posted Fri Apr 15, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Michael Mann's 'Manhunter: Collector's Edition' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The collector's edition of Michael Mann's crime thriller hitting Blu-ray in May has been detailed. [/teaser] As previously reported, Scream Factory has revealed 'Manhunter: Collector's Edition' will arrive on Blu-ray on May 24. FBI agent Will Graham (William Petersen) has captured the diabolical Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Brian Cox), nearly losing more than just his mind in the process. But when Graham is called out of retirement to hunt the psychopath known as "The Tooth Fairy" (Tom Noonan in a role Entertainment Weekly calls "one of the freakiest madmen Hollywood has ever given us") he must once again confront the horrors of "Hannibal The Cannibal." If Will Graham enters the mind of the serial killer, can he ever come back? Joan Allen (The Contender), Dennis Farina, Kim Greist and Stephen Lang co-star in this shocking thriller directed by Michael Mann and adapted from the novel Red Dragon by Thomas Harris. But be warned: Fans and critics alike consider Manhunter to be far superior to The Silence Of The Lambs, as well as one of the most unnerving serial killer movies ever made. The 2-disc set will include: NEW The Mind of Madness – an interview with William Petersen (18 minutes); NEW Courting a Killer – an interview with actress Joan Allen (16 minutes); NEW Francis is Gone Forever – an interview with actor Tom Noonan (22 minutes); NEW The First Lecktor – an interview with actor Brian Cox (40 minutes); NEW The Eye of the Storm – an interview with director of photography Dante Spinotti (36 minutes); NEW The Music of MANHUNTER – including interviews with composer Michel Rubini, Barry Andrews (Shriekback), Gary Putman (The Prime Movers), Rick Shaffer (The Reds) and Gene Stashuk (Red 7) (42 minutes); Original Theatrical Trailer; Still Gallery; Audio Commentary by writer/director Michael Mann; Director's Cut of the film (in Standard Definition); The Manhunter Look - A Conversation with cinematographer Dante Spinotti (10 minutes); and Inside Manhunter with stars William Petersen, Joan Allen, Brian Cox and Tom Noonan (18 minutes); plus newly commissioned cover art by Christopher Franchi. You can find the latest specs for 'Manhunter: Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 24.Posted Fri Apr 15, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by:
