-
UHD Alliance Announces Ultra HD Premium Logo & Certification Licensing for Ultra HD Blu-ray Players[teaser]The Ultra HD Premium logo and classification system has been expanded to Ultra HD Blu-ray players. [/teaser] The UHD Alliance (UHDA) has announced an expansion of its Ultra HD Premium certification licensing to include Ultra HD Blu-ray disc players. The Ultra HD Premium logo allows consumers to easily identify televisions, content, content services, and playback devices that meet the requirements for a premium Ultra HD experience. "As the Ultra HD ecosystem continues to grow, the UHDA will continue to expand the breadth of ULTRA HD PREMIUM certified products and services to provide consumers with a single, identifying mark to seek out so they can purchase with confidence," said UHD Alliance President Hanno Basse. "The certification of Ultra HD Blu-ray players is a natural first expansion, because the Ultra HD Blu-ray format was built with premium performance in mind and a growing number of 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc titles released by Hollywood also bear the ULTRA HD PREMIUM logo." Developed through a collaboration with leading film studios, consumer electronics manufacturers, content distributors, and technology companies, the Ultra HD Premium spec requires certified products to satisfy specific performance metrics for resolution, high dynamic range (HDR), peak luminance, black levels, wide color gamut, and more. Likewise, the specification also includes recommendations for immersive audio. Though exact testing criteria for Ultra HD Blu-ray players has not been detailed, the UHDA has designated multiple, independent centers around the globe to conduct testing. Currently, the only Ultra HD Blu-ray player on the market is the Samsung UBD-K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player. Models from Panasonic and Philips are expected to arrive later this year. Beyond Ultra HD Blu-ray players, the UHDA has already certified 30 Ultra HD TVs with the Ultra HD Premium designation. Likewise, the company is also planning to develop a premium standard for live 4K Ultra HD broadcasts. Source: UHD AlliancePosted Thu Apr 14, 2016 at 01:30 PM PDT by: -
Pioneer Unveils SW-10 Powered Subwoofer, Available Now for $349[teaser]A new subwoofer model is now available for purchase. [/teaser] Pioneer has announced details for their latest home audio product. The SW-10 Powered Subwoofer is designed to create deep and powerful room filling bass. The SW-10 is a powered subwoofer with a 10 inch long throw down firing driver encased in a vented and stylish enclosure to improve transient response. The unit features a dedicated BASH high voltage amplifier delivering 200 Watts RMS of pure power. Frequency range is rated for 30 Hz – 150 Hz with a maximum output power of 400W at its peak. In addition, the subwoofer includes controls for phase and crossover adjustment. Finally, the SW-10 uses a wide rubber surround rather than a more cost effective foam surround, allowing for superior excursion of the cone and a greater bass response in a smaller cabinet. Likewise, rubber won't degrade like foam over time, letting the bass driver remain consistent for a longer period. Pioneer's SW-10 Powered Subwoofer is now available for a suggested list price of $349. The subwoofer joins the company's previously released award winning lineup of speakers, including the SP-FS52 Floor-standing Loudspeaker (currently $127), SP-BS22-LR Bookshelf Loudspeakers (pair, currently $127), SP-C22 Center-Channel Speaker (currently $97), and the SW-8MK2 Powered Sub (currently $157). Likewise, the company also offers the SP-T22A-LR Add-on Atmos Speakers (pair, currently $199) and the SP-BS22A-LR Dolby Atmos Bookshelf Speakers (pair, currently $210). Beyond the new subwoofer, Pioneer also recently launched the LX301 ($700) & LX101 ($500) Elite Network Receivers. Both receivers are 7.2 channel models with 4K HDCP 2.2 compliant playback, integrated Dolby Atmos support, and future DTS:X support via an upcoming firmware upgrade. Source: PioneerPosted Thu Apr 14, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Louis Leterrier's 'Now You See Me' Announced for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The thriller will materialize on Ultra HD Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'Now You See Me' for Ultra HD Blu-ray on May 31. Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, and Jesse Eisenberg give astonishing performances in this visually stunning thriller from the director of 'Clash of the Titans.' As individual performers, these magicians are amazing. But once they join forces, they begin captivating an international audience with a series of bold, original heists—all the while pursuing a secret agenda that has the FBI and Interpol scrambling to anticipate what their next spectacular crime will be. Exact specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack is $22.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Now You See Me' linked from our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 31. Order the Ultra HD Blu-rayPosted Thu Apr 14, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
'Game of Thrones' Season Three and Four Steelbooks Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Winter is coming and will be encased in Steelbooks with Dolby Atmos soundtracks in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, HBO has revealed that 'Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season (Steelbook)' and 'Game of Thrones: The Complete Fourth Season (Steelbook)' will be available on June 7. The Steelbook sets feature art designed by Elastic, the agency responsible for the series' Emmy Award-winning opening credits. Each Steelbook showcases a specific location that is significant to that season, and includes usable magnets on packaging featuring Game of Thrones sigils and symbols. Season 1 packaging featured Winterfell and Season 2 the Lannisters in King's Landing. Season 3 will feature the magnet sigil of House Frey and their ancestral seat of the Twins...the location of Season 3's infamous Red Wedding. The icy landscape of Castle Black and the Wall - where the brothers of the Night's Watch fend off an army of wildlings from the far north - will grace the packaging of Season 4, including a crow and Jon Snow's sword "Longclaw" as the featured magnet. In addition to all of the bonus content from the previous Blu-ray sets, the Game of Thrones Steelbook is the first TV on Blu-ray title to be released with the revolutionary new audio technology Dolby Atmos, which delivers sounds and music to specific areas in the room, including overhead, creating a captivating experience that puts the audience right in the middle of the action on screen. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, Dolby Atmos-enabled AV receivers and additional speakers are required. However, Dolby Atmos soundtracks are fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment. You can find the latest specs for 'Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season (Steelbook)' and 'Game of Thrones: The Complete Fourth Season (Steelbook)' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under June 7.Posted Thu Apr 14, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Ilya Naishuller's 'Hardcore Henry' Blu-ray Pre-Orders Live[teaser]The utterly insane action flick is now up for Blu-ray pre-orders at Amazon. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal will be releasing 'Hardcore Henry' on Blu-ray later this year. Hardcore - The First Ever Action POV Feature Film. Henry, a newly resurrected cyborg who must save his wife/creator Estelle from the clutches of a psychotic tyrant with telekinetic powers, Akan, and his army of mercenaries. Fighting alongside Henry is Jimmy, who is Henry's only hope to make it through the day. Hardcore takes place over the course of one day, in Moscow, Russia. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Hardcore Henry' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under PENDING. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Apr 14, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
D'Urville Martin's 'Dolemite' Blu-ray Detailed[teaser]The 1975 blaxploitation classic starring Rudy Ray Moore getting the Blu-ray treatment in April has now been detailed. [/teaser] As previously reported, Vinegar Syndrome is working on 'Dolemite' for Blu-ray on April 26. Dolemite (Rudy Ray Moore), the baddest pimp in town, has just been released from prison, ready to take revenge on notorious gangster Willie Green (D'Urville Martin), who set him up on a phony drug charge and stole his club, The Total Experience. With the help of his friend Queen Bee (Lady Reed) and their band of Kung Fu fighting vixens, Dolemite takes on every "rat soup eatin' motherf#%*er" in South Central. Acclaimed comedian Rudy Ray Moore's outrageously funny and action packed blaxploitation classic, makes its worldwide blu-ray debut, fully restored in 2k from a recently discovered 35mm negative and loaded with extras, including a new making-of documentary by Elijah Drenner and a historical commentary track from Moore's biographer Mark Murray, featuring interviews with Moore as well as co-stars Jerry Jones, Lady Reed, John Kerry, cinematographer Nick Von Sternberg and more! The region free Blu-ray and DVD combo pack will feature a transfer scanned and restored in 2k from a newly discovered 35mm negative that includes two framing options: the intended 1.85:1 widescreen version and an alternate full frame 'boom mic' version and supplements include: "I, Dolemite" making-of documentary; "Lady Reed Uncut" featurette; "Locations: Then & Now" featurette; Historical commentary track by Rudy Ray Moore's biographer, Mark Jason Murray; DOLEMITE – theatrical trailer; THE HUMAN TORNADO – theatrical trailer; Original cover artwork by Jay Shaw; and reversible cover artwork You can find the latest specs for 'Dolemite' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 26. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Apr 14, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Debuts Teaser for 'Voltron: Legendary Defender,' Premiere Set for June 10[teaser]A new version of the classic cartoon is heading to Netflix in June. [/teaser] Netflix has released the first teaser for its new animated series, 'Voltron: Legendary Defender.' Developed by DreamWorks Animation, the show will premiere through Netflix on June 10. From days long ago, from uncharted regions of the universe, comes Netflix Original Series 'Voltron: Legendary Defender.' DreamWorks Animation reimagines one of the most popular fan-favorite shows of all time in this all-new comedic action-packed show from executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos (The Legend of Korra, Avatar: The Last Airbender) and co-executive producer Lauren Montgomery (The Legend of Korra). In this all-new Voltron series coming to Netflix this year, five unsuspecting teenagers are transported from Earth into the middle of a sprawling intergalactic war and become pilots for five robotic lions in the battle to protect the universe from evil. Only through the true power of teamwork can they unite to form the mighty warrior known as 'Voltron: Legendary Defender.' Check out the teaser trailer below! 'Voltron: Legendary Defender' stars Steven Yeun, Jeremy Shada, and Tyler Labine. The first season will consist of 13 episodes. Beyond 'Voltron,' Netflix and DreamWorks Animation are also teaming up to debut several additional original series throughout 2016, including 'Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh,' and 'Trollhunters' from Guillermo del Toro. Other upcoming Netflix premieres include 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' season two on April 15, 'Patton Oswalt: Talking For Clapping' on April 22, 'Special Correspondents' on April 29, 'Marseille' on May 5, the second season of 'Grace and Frankie' on May 6, 'Chelsea' on May 11, season two of 'Chef's Table' on May 27, 'Bloodline' season two on May 27, 'The Do-Over' on May 27, 'The Fundamentals of Caring' on June 24, 'Marco Polo' season two on July 1, the documentary 'Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru' on July 15, 'Project Mc2' season two on August 12, and 'The Crown' on November 4. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Wed Apr 13, 2016 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'Zoolander No. 2: The Magnum Edition' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]Ben Stiller's comedy sequel will pose for Blu-ray next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount will be releasing 'Zoolander No. 2: The Magnum Edition' on Blu-ray on May 24. Derek and Hansel are modelling again when an opposing company attempts to take them out from the business. The Blu-ray combo pack will feature 1080p video, a DTS:X soundtrack, and supplements include: The Zoolander Legacy; Go Big or Go Rome; Drake Sather: The Man Who Created Zoolander; and Youth Milk. You can find the latest specs for 'Zoolander No. 2: The Magnum Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 24. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Apr 13, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Sling TV Adds Live Beta Multi-Stream Service for $20 Per Month[teaser]The internet TV service now offers a multi-stream plan. [/teaser] Sling TV has announced the launch of a live beta multi-stream service. The plan costs $20 per month and features live and on demand content from several networks including Fox, along with streaming support for up to three devices simultaneously in or outside the home. "Since launch, our customers have asked for more channels and multiple streams. We believe our new multi-stream service, anchored by a strong lineup of Fox content, including top franchises like 'Empire' and 'The Americans' on FOX and FX, as well as access to Major League Baseball in 15 markets, including the New York Yankees, is the first step in answering their requests," said Roger Lynch, CEO of Sling TV. "We look forward to incorporating our customers' feedback throughout the beta phase as we evolve the multi-stream service to include additional channels, features and functionality." As part of the base "Best of Live TV" package users will gain multi-stream access to live and on demand content from FOX Broadcasting, FOX Sports, FX, National Geographic and other popular networks like A&E, Adult Swim, AMC, Bloomberg, Cartoon Network, CNN, El Rey, Flama, Food Network, Galavision, HGTV, History, IFC, Lifetime, Local NOW, Maker, Newsy, Polaris+, TBS, TNT, Travel Channel, truTV, UniMás, Univision and VICELAND. In addition, customers can add "Extras" to their monthly plan, including "Hollywood Extra," "Lifestyle Extra" and "World News Extra" packages for $5 more per month each, HBO for $15 more per month, and Cinemax for $10 more per month. New customers can sign up for a seven day free trial of Sling TV's multi-stream service with no annual contract or long-term commitment at www.sling.com. Likewise, Sling TV's single-stream service, which includes content from Disney and ESPN Networks, can still be purchased with or without the new multi-stream service for $20 per month. The Sling TV platform is now available on Roku players, Roku TVs, the Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, PCs, Macs, Xbox One, Android and iOS devices, and more. Source: Sling TV via BusinessWirePosted Wed Apr 13, 2016 at 11:45 AM PDT by: -
'Bad Influence' Starring Rob Lowe and James Spader Blu-ray Supplements Detailed[teaser]The bonus features for Curtis Hanson's 1990 crime thriller heading to Blu-ray in May have now been detailed. [/teaser] As previously reported, Shout Factory says 'Bad Influence' will arrive on Blu-ray on May 24. Quiet, unassuming financial analyst Michael Boll (Spader) lives a successful-yet-timid life, lacking in risks or rewards. When he crosses paths with the enigmatic Alex (Lowe), the two form a friendship based on ever-increasingly bold behavior. When Michael's new pal pushes things too far, however, Michael wants out… but the mysterious Alex has no desire to set him free from the seductively dangerous lifestyle he's dragged him into. A sexy and suspenseful drama in the vein of Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train, Bad Influence is a crackling thriller from writer David Koepp (Death Becomes Her, Apartment Zero) and Oscar winner* and director Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential). Soundtrack by Trevor Jones (Angel Heart, Runaway Train). Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include: Under the Influence with David Koepp – Interview with writer David Koepp and the Theatrical Trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'Bad Influence' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 24. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Apr 13, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by:
