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'The Return of the Living Dead: Collector's Edition' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]Dan O’Bannon's 1985 zombie flick is getting a collector's edition Blu-ray in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scream Factory will be releasing 'The Return of the Living Dead: Collector's Edition' on Blu-ray on July 19. Writer/director Dan O’Bannon (Alien, Lifeforce) puts an uproarious spin on the zombie apocalypse movie in 1985’s cult classic The Return Of The Living Dead, starring Clu Gulager (A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge), James Karen (Mulholland Drive) and Don Calfa (Weekend at Bernie’s). Considered one of the campiest undead romps of its time, the film helped launch the career of scream queen Linnea Quigley (Night of the Demons, Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama) and features a killer soundtrack with tracks from many songs from punk artists such as The Cramps, T.S.O.L. SSQ and 45 Grave. This collector's set includes a brand new 2K scan of the film and over 12 hours of extras! This definitive set includes a new 2K scan of the inter-positive and many brand new supplements including: Audio Commentary with Gary Smart (co-author of The Complete History of the Return of the Living Dead) and Chris Griffiths; The FX of the Living Dead with Production Designer William Stout, FX make-up artists William Munns, Tony Gardner, Kenny Myers and Craig Caton-Largnet, Visual Effects artists Bret Mixon and Gene Warren Jr. and actor Brian Peck (Expanded Version) (30 minutes); Party Time: The Music of The Return of the Living Dead with music consultants Budd Carr and Steve Pross and soundtrack artists Dinah Cancer (45 Grave), Chris D (The Flesh Eaters), Roky Erickson, Karl Moet (SSQ), Joe Wood (T.S.O.L.), Mark Robertson (Tall Boys) plus musicians Greg Hetson (Circle Jerks) and John Sox (The F.U.’s, Straw Dogs); HORROR’S HALLOWED GROUNDS – revisiting the locations of the film; and a collectible slipcover featuring newly rendered artwork and a reversible cover wrap featuring original theatrical key art. Order from Shout Factory and receive a poster as well as early shipment (two weeks before street date). A deluxe edition limited to 1000 units is also available directly from Shout Factory that includes an additional slipcover, two posters, and an early shipment (three weeks before street date). You can find the latest specs for 'The Return of the Living Dead: Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under July 19. Order the CE Blu-ray Order the Deluxe Blu-rayPosted Fri Apr 8, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
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DISH Brings 4K Ultra HD Netflix Support to Hopper 3 DVR[teaser]The company's 4K DVR now supports Netflix playback in Ultra HD. [/teaser] DISH has announced the addition of 4K Netflix support to its Hopper 3 DVR. Users can now stream 4K Netflix titles in Ultra HD directly through the Hopper 3. "Netflix is actively taking steps to broaden the availability of Ultra HD content, with plans to provide more than 600 hours by the end of this year," said Vivek Khemka, DISH executive vice president and CTO. "As the cost of 4K TVs continues to decrease, consumer adoption of and interest in Ultra HD technology becomes more widespread. We’re making every effort to provide our Hopper 3 customers with additional access to 4K programming as it’s made available." To access Netflix, DISH subscribers with a Hopper 3 simply need to press the Home or App button on their remotes. From there, customers can select the Netflix App icon and search for Ultra HD content by typing in "4K" or "UHD." Current Netflix Ultra HD content includes original shows like 'Daredevil' and 'House of Cards.' Netflix recommends an internet connection speed of at least 25 megabits per second to stream Ultra HD titles. The Hopper 3 features 16 tuners, allowing customers to watch shows in multiple rooms, remotely view live content through DISH Anywhere, and schedule multiple recordings at the same time without any pesky conflicts. Under the hood, the device runs a Broadcom BCM7445 quad-core ARM application processor at 1.5 GHz, 21K DMIPS and features a 2TB hard drive for up to 500 hours of high-definition recording (or 2,000 hours of standard definition recording). For 4K playback, the Hopper 3 can decode and output 60 FPS and 10-bit color and can support H.264 and H.265. The device also supports HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2, USB 3.0, and HDR10/BDA 2.0 encoded streams. Finally, the DVR features a new 4K Sports Bar Mode which divides the screen into four quadrants, enabling customers to watch four different HD feeds at the same time. Beyond Netflix, DISH has announced partnerships with Sony Pictures, The Orchard and Mance Media to offer on-demand Ultra HD content to the Hopper 3 and 4K Joey, including popular titles like 'The Amazing Spiderman' and 'American Hustle.' A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: DISHPosted Fri Apr 8, 2016 at 09:15 AM PDT by: -
Disney's 'The Finest Hours' Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The drama starring Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, and Ben Foster is coming to the rescue on Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Disney is preparing 'The Finest Hours' for Blu-ray on May 24. This heroic action-thriller is based on the extraordinary true story of the greatest small-boat rescue in Coast Guard history. In 1952, a massive winter storm strikes off the coast of Cape Cod, ripping a T-2 oil tanker in half and trapping more than 30 sailors inside its rapidly sinking stern. When word of the disaster reaches the U.S. Coast Guard, four men led by Captain Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) set out in a 12-seat boat on a daring mission to rescue the stranded men, braving freezing cold, 60-foot waves and hurricane-force winds, and guided by Webber's vow that "We all live, or we all die." Packed with thrilling, larger-than-life action and anchored in a belief in the strength of the human spirit, The Finest Hours is a triumph. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 7.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include: Against All Odds: The Bernie Webber Story – Visit the quaint and close-knit town of Chatham, and experience the events surrounding the most heroic Coast Guard rescue ever through the eyes of the people who witnessed them; Brotherhood – Cast members reflect on the bonds they forged during the shoot; Two Crews – Pine and Affleck share insights into Bernie Webber and Ray Sybert, men who led their respective crews against all odds; What Is Your Finest Hour? – A Coast Guard member recounts an incredible rescue; The Finest Inspiration: The US Coast Guard – Meet the people who put their lives on the line for others; and Deleted Scenes – "A Desperate Idea" and "The Story of How They Met." Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack is $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Finest Hours' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 24. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Apr 8, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]The acclaimed murder mystery miniseries heads to Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Acorn Media says 'And Then There Were None' will arrive on Blu-ray on April 19. This landmark adaptation of the best-selling novel of all-time is written by Sarah Phelps (The Casual Vacancy, Great Expectations) and features Aidan Turner (Poldark, The Hobbit trilogy), Charles Dance (Game of Thrones), Anna Maxwell Martin (Midwinter of the Spirit, The Bletchley Circle), Sam Neill (Jurassic Park), Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter films, Sleepy Hollow), Douglas Booth (Great Expectations), Maeve Dermody (Serangoon Road), Burn Gorman (TURN: Washington’s Spies, Torchwood), Toby Stephens (Black Sails, Jane Eyre), and Noah Taylor (Peaky Blinders, Game of Thrones). The gripping miniseries follows a dinner party on an isolated island where the guests start dying one by one. And Then There Were None made its U.S. premiere on Lifetime on March 13-14, 2016. As the world teeters on the brink of World War II, 10 strangers are invited to isolated Soldier Island. Among them are young secretary Vera Claythorne (Maeve Dermody), soldier Philip Lombard (Aidan Turner), General John MacArthur (Sam Neill), spinster Emily Brent (Miranda Richardson), and Judge Lawrence Wargrave (Charles Dance). With seemingly nothing in common, the guests wonder who their mysterious host may be. But the ominous reason for their visit soon becomes clear… and by the end of the night, the first of them is dead. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: Behind-the-scenes featurette (43 min.), featurette about Agatha Christie (20 min.), an interview with writer Sarah Phelps (15 min.), and a photo gallery. You can find the latest specs for 'And Then There Were None' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 19. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Apr 8, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Announces Two New Seasons of 'Project Mc2'[teaser]The Daytime Emmy nominated series has been renewed for two more seasons. [/teaser] Netflix has announced plans to stream two new seasons of its original series 'Project Mc2.' Season two is set to premiere worldwide through Netflix on Friday, August 12, and season three is scheduled to premiere in fall 2016. In addition, Netflix has also revealed plans to team up with a leading youth organization in the US to create interactive show screening experiences and online discovery kits, promoting the series' concept of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) toward young girls. "The strong values of teamwork, tenacity, female empowerment and intelligence is something we want all girls including my daughters to see more of on television," said Andy Yeatman, Director of Kids Content Acquisition. "We're thrilled to bring two more seasons of Project Mc2 to our members and to show young girls around the world that STEAM is both fun and accessible." 'Project Mc2' follows four super smart and science-skilled girls as they are recruited to join the spy organization, NOV8 ("Innovate"), working together to save the day and prove that Smart is the New Cool. Smart and successful leading women from the fields of entertainment, aeronautics and information technology will band together to bring Project Mc2 to its next level. Season 2 will not only introduce exciting new missions and fun, crime-solving experiments; but girls will also meet new friends who each contribute their own unique experience to their super smart spy squad. "When we set out to create the Project Mc2 franchise, our goal was to make STEAM relatable and fun for girls by seamlessly integrating it into things we know they already love," said Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA. "As we expand the Project Mc2 universe with Season 2 and beyond, we hope to continue to increase girls' exposure to these important disciplines and foster a confidence and receptiveness that can follow them into adulthood." Source: NetflixPosted Thu Apr 7, 2016 at 02:00 PM PDT by: -
'Star Trek' and 'Star Trek Into Darkness' Headed for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]Paramount's first voyage into the world of 4K Ultra HD boldly arrives in June. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount will be releasing 'Star Trek 4K' and 'Star Trek Into Darkness 4K' on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on June 14. Both STAR TREK and STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS have been digitally remastered with new 4K UHD transfers for exceptionally brilliant picture quality and feature Dolby Atmos® soundtracks* remixed specifically for the home theater environment. Dolby Atmos delivers captivating sound that places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead, to bring entertainment alive all around the audience. Each film will be presented in a three-disc UHD/Blu-ray/Digital HD Combo Pack. STAR TREK features a bonus Blu-ray Disc™ loaded with over three hours of behind-the-scenes content. The STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS UHD and Blu-ray Discs include the spectacular IMAX® version of the film and the package also includes a bonus Blu-ray Disc with more than two hours of special features. 'Star Trek' will include a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements include: Commentary by J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof and Roberto Orci; To Boldly Go — Taking on the world’s most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success; Casting — The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy; A New Vision — J.J. Abrams’ vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle, but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of production—from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricks—was guided by this overall objective; Starships — Abrams and production designer Scott Chambliss were careful to pay tribute to the design of the original Enterprise, but they also wanted to make it futuristic and cool for a modern audience. This chapter focuses on the unique stories behind the creation of the film’s starships; Aliens — Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek; Planets — From the frozen landscape of Delta Vega to the desert plains of Vulcan, Scott Chambliss and the art department had a number of radically different planets to create. Abrams’ desire to shoot on real locations whenever possible led the production team to a number of strange and surprising locations; Props and Costumes — Property master Russell Bobbitt had the unique challenge of designing props that were both true to the original series and pertinent to today’s technology. Likewise, costume designer Michael Kaplan talks about how he designed costumes that paid homage to what came before yet were relevant and timeless; Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trek — When famed sound designer Ben Burtt was hired to create sounds for the first Star Wars film, he took his inspiration from the original “Star Trek” series. Burtt jumped at the opportunity to pay tribute to the sounds that sparked his career with the sounds he created for the new Star Trek; Score — As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courage’s celebrated theme; Gene Roddenberry’s Vision — J.J. Abrams, Leonard Nimoy, previous Star Trek writers and producers, and scientific consultant Carolyn Porco describe and commend the optimistic and enduring vision of Gene Roddenberry; Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary; Starfleet Vessel Simulator — Explore extensive data on the U.S.S. Enterprise and the Romulan ship, the Narada. Submerse yourself in breathtaking 360° views and close-ups and review detailed tech information; Gag Reel; and Trailers. 'Star Trek Into Darkness' will include the IMAX version with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack and supplements include: Enhanced commentary; The Mission Continues PSA; The Voyage Begins…Again – Go behind-the-scenes as filming begins on the next Star Trek adventure; Creating the Red Planet – Experience the creation of a never-before-seen alien world, as featured in the action-packed opening sequence of the film; Introducing the Villain; Rebuilding the Enterprise – See the design and construction of a bigger, interconnected Enterprise set; National Ignition Facility: Home of the Core – Location shooting at the National Ignition Facility; Attack on Starfleet – Go behind the scenes with the cast and filmmakers and witness the creation of the shocking attack on Starfleet Headquarters; Aliens Encountered – The design and application of alien makeup; The Klingon Home World – Discover the stunning world of Kronos, and see how the filmmakers reinvented the Klingons for a new generation; The Enemy of My Enemy – Find out how, and why, the identity of the film’s true villain was kept a mystery to the very end; Vengeance is Coming – A comprehensive look at the design and production surrounding the black ship; Ship to Ship – An in-depth and thrilling look at the filming of the iconic space jump sequence, which both defied the laws of physics and pushed the limits of visual effects; Mr. Spock and Mr. Spock – Leonard Nimoy makes a cameo appearance and reflects on his history with Trek; Down with the Ship – Discover the stunt & VFX work involved to make the Enterprise roll over; Kirk and Spock – Explore the dynamic relationship between the film’s heroes; Brawl by the Bay – Sit in with Zachary Quinto and Benedict Cumberbatch as they revisit their intense preparation for the film’s breathtaking climax; Fitting the Future – A look at the film’s out-of-this-world costumes; Property of Starfleet – Sourcing and tracking the film’s myriad props; Unlocking the Cut – A discussion with the film editors about their monumental task; Visual Affection – A comprehensive look at the creation and implementation of visual effects; The Sounds of Music (and FX) – A discussion with film composer Michael Giacchino and sound designer Ben Burtt; Safety First – A prank pulled on the cast; Continuing the Mission – An inspiring look at the partnership between the film’s crew and the organization that assists returning veterans to find meaningful ways to contribute on the home front; Gag Reel; Deleted Scenes; and Theatrical Trailers. You can find the latest specs for 'Star Trek 4K' and 'Star Trek Into Darkness 4K' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where they're indexed under June 14.Posted Thu Apr 7, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Comcast Adds Disney Titles to Digital Store, Lineup Includes 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens'[teaser]The cable giant will now offer digital content from Walt Disney Studios. [/teaser] Comcast and Walt Disney Studios have announced a new content licensing agreement. As part of the deal, Comcast can now offer digital library titles from Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney•Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Disneynature, and Touchstone Pictures through the Xfinity On Demand digital store. "We are excited to expand our digital store offering with the incredible selection of titles from The Walt Disney Studios' portfolio," said Nancy Spears, Vice President, Digital Media Distribution and Monetization at Comcast Cable. "Disney films appeal to all generations, and now our customers will be able to easily add them to their digital collection to watch when and where they want." The current selection of digital titles available for purchase includes 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.' In addition, upcoming titles will include popular films and franchises like 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' Disney•Pixar's 'Toy Story' and 'Finding Nemo,' Marvel’s 'Avengers: Age of Ultron,' Disney•Pixar’s 'The Good Dinosaur,' and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 'Frozen.' Likewise, Comcast will also be joining Disney Movies Anywhere as a participating retailer. The cloud based digital locker lets customers buy their favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movies anywhere, and watch them across numerous devices and platforms, complete with special content, rewards, and more. Beyond the new partnership with Walt Disney Studios, the Xfinity On Demand digital store also offers additional titles from FOX, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, Paramount, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. Through the store, users can purchase many movies and shows in the cloud weeks before they hit Blu-ray/DVD. An exact launch date for Comcast Disney Movies Anywhere support has not been announced yet. Source: ComcastPosted Thu Apr 7, 2016 at 11:00 AM PDT by: -
Swing Batta Batta Swing! 'The Walking Dead: The Complete Sixth Season' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]Negan is coming to Blu-ray this August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay will be releasing 'The Walking Dead: The Complete Sixth Season' on Blu-ray on August 23. This past season brought many unforeseen, exciting and pulse-pounding twists and turns. With the end of every season comes the bittersweet knowledge that we must wait with bated breath until the next ride. To keep your “The Walking Dead” appetite satiated, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly continues the tradition of offering fans an opportunity to relive the ever so satisfying and stirring sixth season. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $79.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Walking Dead: The Complete Sixth Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 23. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Apr 7, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Su Rynard's 'The Messenger' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The critically-acclaimed documentary about the decline of the world's songbird population soars to Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Kino says 'The Messenger' will arrive on Blu-ray on May 3. For thousands of years, songbirds were regarded by mankind as messengers from the gods. Today, these creatures - woven inextricably into the fabric of our environment - are vanishing at an alarming rate. Under threat from climate change, pesticides and more, populations of hundreds of species have dipped dramatically. As scientists, activists and bird enthusiasts investigate this phenomenon, amazing secrets of the bird world come to light for the first time in the acclaimed and visually thrilling documentary The Messenger. Find out what's killing our songbirds, and what can be done about it. As in ancient times, songbirds may once again be carrying a message to humans - one that we ignore at our own peril. This critically-acclaimed documentary was a New York Times Critic's Pick, and was named a Top Ten Audience Favorite at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, as well as a winner at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival in 2015. Traveling from regions as diverse as the Boreal Forest, Mount Ararat, and New York City, filmmaker Su Rynard explores the relationship between birds and humans, and how changes in the environment impacts the habitats and, ultimately, the existence of songbirds. The film also highlights the work being done by people who are helping to make a positive impact on the environment in order to preserve and sustain the world's songbird population. Using a camera capable of shooting up to 1000 fps, Rynard and cinematographer Daniel Grant, working in collaboration with Western University's AFAR Avian research facility, captured images of songbirds in simulated nocturnal migration flying through the wind tunnel. This unique filming process resulted in stunning photography of the birds in motion. The Blu-ray will include a behind-the-scenes featurette, A Coffee Primer for Birds and People (about the relationship between coffee farms and bird habitats), a deleted scene, an informational booklet (with notes from the director and information on how viewers can help preserve the world's songbird population), the trailer, and an interview with director Su Rynard. You can find the latest specs for 'The Messenger' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 3. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Apr 7, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
Mike Testin's 'Dementia' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The 2015 horror flick arrives on Blu-ray next month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scream Factory will be releasing 'Dementia' on Blu-ray on May 17. In 'Dementia', George (Gene Jones, The Hateful Eight and The Sacrament) is an aging ex-soldier haunted by memories of Vietnam and struggling to reconnect with his estranged son and granddaughter. But when he suffers a stroke and is diagnosed with dementia, George is left in the care of Michelle (Halloween's Kristina Klebe), a seemingly sweet nurse with a disturbing dark side. At the mercy of a psychopath with a hypodermic needle, George becomes a prisoner in his own home, caught in a sadistic game of cat and mouse as brutal as anything he experienced in Vietnam. In his feature debut, director Mike Testin masterfully keeps the tension mounting — until it explodes in delirious violence. Specs and supplements haven't been revealed yet, but the suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Dementia' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 17. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Apr 7, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by:
