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Sony Launches New Walkman, h.ear, & EXTRA BASS Audio Products, Prices Start at $100[teaser]The company's new audio lineup is now available for purchase. [/teaser] Following their reveal at CES 2016 back in January, Sony has now announced official pricing and availability for its latest headphones, portable speakers, and music players. The lineup includes the h.ear series, EXTRA BASS series, and two Walkman models. "At Sony, we are committed to bringing high quality sound products to consumers wherever they are listening to music, at home or on the go," said Dunja LaRosa, Director, Head of Mobile Audio Business, Home Entertainment and Sound, Sony Electronics, North America. "Our new lineup of EXTRA BASS™ and h.ear™ series products are testament to this commitment, playing back music as the artist intended and delivering consumers the ability to enjoy high quality music, regardless of their location." First up, the EXTRA BASS series includes the DR-XB650BT headphones ($130), SRS-XB3 ($100) and SRS-XB2 ($150) speakers, and GTK-XB7 ($350) audio system. The MDR-XB650BT headphones feature a 30mm driver and EXTRA BASS diaphragm to offer high quality sound with bass booster. Meanwhile, the SRS-XB3 and SRS-XB2 are compact wireless speakers with full range speaker units. The SRS-XB2 features a 42mm gauge with a passive radiator and the SRS-XB3 features a 48mm gauge with dual passive radiators. In addition, a lightweight diaphragm offers powerful bass notes. Finally, the GTK-XB7 is a high-powered audio system with two large gauge 16cm woofers and EXTRA BASS tech for deep low frequencies. Next, the h.ear series includes the h.ear go SRS-HG1 wireless speaker ($200), the h.ear MDR-100ABN on-ear headphones ($350), the h.ear MDR-EX750BT in-ear headphones ($200), the NW-A26HN Walkman ($320), and the NW-ZX100HN Walkman ($700). The h.ear go is now the world's smallest portable wireless speaker with high-res audio support. The device features a compact design and uses a φ35mm gauge full-range speaker unit and Sony's DSP signal processing. Meanwhile, the h.ear on Wireless NC features dual noise sensor technology with Digital Noise Canceling software. Likewise, the headphones use 40 mm HD drivers to reproduce sounds up to 40 kHz and DSEE technology. The h.ear in Wireless Earbuds feature a 9 mm driver unit and use a slim smooth body design with natural curved shape to fit around the neck. Finally, the NW-A26HN Walkman is designed to complement the h.ear series audio products with high-res audio support and matching colors, and the NW-ZX100HN Walkman is the world's first Hi-Res noise canceling digital music player. Sony' EXTRA BASS series is now available for purchase. The h.ear series products are slated to hit stores and online by mid-April. Source: Sony via PR NewswirePosted Mon Mar 21, 2016 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
'War & Peace' Announced and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The critically-acclaimed miniseries heads to Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Starz/Anchor Bay says 'War & Peace' will arrive on Blu-ray on May 10. The visually stunning, critically acclaimed eight- episode miniseries “War & Peace” starring Paul Dano (Little Miss Sunshine, Looper), Lily James (“Downton Abbey,” Cinderella), James Norton (Rush, Belle), Gillian Anderson (“The X-Files,” “The Fall”) and Brian Cox (Troy, “The Slap”) is directed by Tom Harper (“Misfits,” The Woman in Black 2), adapted by Andrew Davies (Bridget Jones’s Diary, “House of Cards”) and based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy (the novel “Anna Karenina”). Made by BBC Cymru Wales Drama, in partnership with The Weinstein Company and BBC Worldwide/Lookout Point, “War & Peace” is a classic production of one of the most famous stories of all time. In 1805 when we first meet Pierre (Paul Dano), Natasha (Lily James), and Andrei (James Norton), they are all part of St Petersburg’s glittering elite, but are fired-up with youthful ambition to find meaning in their lives. Kind-hearted but awkward Pierre, the illegitimate son of Russia’s richest man, wants to change the world for the better. Handsome and gallant Andrei, frustrated with the superficiality of his life, seeks a purpose, while the beautiful and spirited Natasha is searching for true love. At the same time Napoleon’s army edges ever closer to Russia’s borders. As everything they thought they knew is questioned, Pierre, Andrei and Natasha find themselves in a time when Russian society is about to change forever. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and will be loaded with bonus features including: From Page to Screen, The Read Through, Making the Music, Count Rostov’s Dance, Rundale Palace and What is “War & Peace”? You can find the latest specs for 'War & Peace' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under May 10.Posted Mon Mar 21, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
D'Urville Martin's 'Dolemite' Headed for Blu-ray[teaser]The 1975 blaxploitation classic starring Rudy Ray Moore will be getting the Blu-ray treatment in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, 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! You can find the latest specs for 'Dolemite' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 26.Posted Mon Mar 21, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Netflix Acquires Domestic Rights to 'The Little Prince,' Streaming Premiere Set for Later this Year[teaser]The new film adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's book is heading to Netflix. [/teaser] According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix has announced plans to release 'The Little Prince' exclusively through its streaming service in the US. The film was previously scheduled to make its domestic theatrical debut on March 18, but Paramount unexpectedly dropped the movie from its schedule. From Mark Osborne comes the first-ever animated feature film adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's iconic masterpiece, The Little Prince. At the heart of it all is The Little Girl, who's being prepared by her mother for the very grown-up world in which they live - only to be interrupted by her eccentric, kind-hearted neighbor, The Aviator. The Aviator introduces his new friend to an extraordinary world where anything is possible. A world that he himself was initiated into long ago by The Little Prince. It's here that The Little Girl's magical and emotional journey into her own imagination - and into the universe of The Little Prince - begins. And it's where The Little Girl rediscovers her childhood and learns that ultimately, it's human connections that matter most, and that what's truly essential can only be seen with the heart. The cast includes Jeff Bridges, Rachel McAdams, Paul Rudd, and James Franco. The film initially premiered out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival. It is not clear why Paramount has decided to transfer US rights to Netflix, but the movie has already grossed $100 million internationally. Check out Philip Brown's review on the Bonus View! Beyond 'The Little Prince,' recent Netflix premieres include season two of Marvel's 'Daredevil' and the original film 'Pee-wee's Big Holiday.' Likewise, upcoming premieres include 'The Ranch' on April 1, 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' season two on April 15, 'Chelsea' on May 11, season two of 'Chef's Table' on May 27, and the documentary 'Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru' on July 15. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: The Hollywood ReporterPosted Fri Mar 18, 2016 at 04:30 PM PDT by: -
'Journey to Space' Dated for Blu-ray & Ultra HD Blu-ray[teaser]The space documentary is blasting off toward Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray in June. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Shout Factory is preparing 'Journey to Space' for Blu-ray on June 7. An Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray 3D version will also be released on that same day. Produced by K2 Films, Inc. and Giant Screen Films, JOURNEY TO SPACE will both inspire a new generation of young people to dream of new horizons in space, and engender a new appreciation for the accomplishments of the Space Shuttle Program among an older generation who came to take it for granted. NASA’s next era will be its greatest yet. That is the clear “roadmap” painted by JOURNEY TO SPACE. The film absolutely annihilates the perception that the space program died with the end of the Space Shuttle Program by showcasing the exciting plans NASA and the space community are working on, and the challenges they must overcome to carry out audacious missions such as landing astronauts on Mars and capturing asteroids. By using extensive interviews with astronauts Chris Ferguson (Commander of the final shuttle mission) and Serena Aunon (a new astronaut chosen for future flights), as well as a brilliant narration by film and television legend Sir Patrick Stewart, JOURNEY TO SPACE gives a sweeping overview of past space accomplishments, current activities and future plans. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.99. Suggested list price for the Ultra HD Blu-ray/Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray combo pack is $39.93. You can find the latest specs for 'Journey to Space' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule and our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 7. Order the Blu-ray Order the Ultra HD Blu-rayPosted Fri Mar 18, 2016 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Clint Eastwood's 'True Crime' Dated for Blu-ray[teaser]The crime drama will arrive on Blu-ray in May. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Bros. is preparing 'True Crime' for Blu-ray on May 3. He's a boozer, a skirt chaser, a careless father. You could create your own list of veteran reporter Steve Everett's faults, but right now there isn't time. At San Quentin, a Death Row prisoner is scheduled to die at midnight - a man Everett has suddenly realized is innocent. In his 21st film as director and 41st as star, Clint Eastwood memorably plays Everett in True Crime, a savvy beat-the-clock thriller that "brims with more life than a single review can describe" (Henry Sheehan, Knight-Ridder Newspapers). Isaiah Washington, Denis Leary, Lisa Gay Hamilton, James Woods, Diane Venora and others in a razor-sharp ensemble populate this suspense tale that tightens to nerve-frying intensity intercutting the parallel stories of the inmate and Everett's scramble to save him ... and perhaps lift his own life out of the trash heap along the way. Everett is harried, determined and trying not to self-destruct as he probes the circumstances of a long-ago murder. And the clock is ticking. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $14.97 You can find the latest specs for 'True Crime' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 3. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Mar 18, 2016 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Fluance Reveals XL5F Reference Series Floorstanding Speakers, Price Set at $400[teaser]The new speakers are now available for purchase. [/teaser] Fluance has announced the release of their latest Reference Series speakers. The XL5F high performance three way floorstanding speakers use premium components and expert audio engineering. With an audio-grade MDF wood cabinet design, the speakers offer a pleasing and functional aesthetic which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and distortion. This premium design is complemented by the Reference Series' equally high quality sound reproduction and precision. To this end, the speakers feature a 5 inch midrange driver, powerful 6.5 inch polymer-treated woofers, and high-end Neodymium balanced tweeters to create room filling sound with clear dialogue. Full specs are listed below: System Type: 3 Way - 3 Driver Floorstanding Main SpeakersTweeter: 1 inch Neodymium Balanced Silk Dome Ferrofluid CooledMidrange: 5 inch Polymer Treated Butyl Rubber SurroundsWoofer: 6.5 inch Polymer Treated Butyl Rubber SurroundsPower Handling: 40 – 200 WattsFrequency Response: 45Hz - 20KHzSensitivity: 88dBCrossover Frequency: 580/4600 Hz Phase Coherent - PCB Mounted CircuitryImpedance: 8 Ohm CompatibleEnclosure: Tuned Rear Port Bass Reflex Tower DesignDimensions: 40.2 x 9.2 x 11.8 inches (H x W x D)Weight: 13.41 kg/speaker Fluance's XL5F floorstanding speakers are now available in Black Ash or Natural Walnut for a suggested retail price of $400 per pair. Buyers will also receive the company's industry leading full lifetime parts and labor manufacturer's direct warranty with lifetime customer support. In addition to the XL5F, Fluance recently released the Fi70 ($500) Bluetooth speaker. The Fi70 features a sophisticated and elegant design aesthetic with a hand-made wood cabinet. Dual 8" woofers, 5" woven glass fiber midrange drivers and 1" neodymium tweeters are integrated as well. The speaker is powered by a 280 watt built-in amplifier and is capable of bass response as low as 30Hz. Additional features include aptX Bluetooth support, integrated equalizer, aux input, optical input, touch controls, digital AM/FM radio, LED display, and a USB port to charge devices. Source: FluancePosted Fri Mar 18, 2016 at 09:26 AM PDT by: -
BBC's 'Life Story' Headed for Blu-ray[teaser]The documentary miniseries narrated by Sir David Attenborough is planned for Blu-ray at the end of the month. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, BBC will be releasing 'Life Story' on Blu-ray on March 29. 'Life Story' captures a number of filming feats as elephants, spiders, chimpanzees, polar bears, humming birds, and more are observed on a journey that is documented in six crucial stages: taking their first steps in the world, growing up, finding a home, gaining power, winning a mate, and succeeding as a parent. The series, distributed by BBC Home Entertainment, was shot in ultra-high definition 4k (ultra-HD), using stabilized camera technology – normally associated with drama filming – which allowed the production crews the freedom to move alongside the animals. Over a period of four years, there were 78 separate shoots which included a five-week expedition into the far reaches of the Gobi desert, eight days spent crossing dangerous seas to reach the sub-Antarctic, and seven weeks trekking through the heart of the Congolese jungle. The episodes in this set include: •First Steps: Vulnerable and naïve, but determined, some young animals face their biggest challenges in the first few days of life. Barnacle goslings must take a leap of faith, falling 120 meters from a cliff ledge, to get their first meal. A tiny young long-eared jerboa faces the daunting, nighttime world of the Gobi desert completely alone – in the first images of their kind. And at just two months old a humpback whale calf, preparing to embark on a migration halfway round the world, is caught up in a "heat run" of aggressive males, each around 40 tons, fighting for a female. In infancy, every challenge is a new one. But how a creature fares at the very beginning of its life is the foundation upon which their future success depends. •Growing Up: For an Arctic fox, the end of childhood is abrupt; his own mother chases him from the den and onto the Arctic ice. At this crucial stage in life, every small success is a triumph. In the high-octane world of a booted racket-tail hummingbird, even to survive the day is victory. For Bengal tigers, growing independence brings with it extreme danger. They need the help of their parents to grow up in a very dangerous society. Time is already running out for two hungry cheetah sisters, recently separated from their mother – scraps are not enough. This episode follows them as they embark on their first big game hunt. •Home: Good homes are rare and competition can be intense. On a paradise island, an empty shell washes ashore and a young hermit crab joins others in a property chain. In unique behavior the crabs actually form an orderly queue so that each can quickly move into the next shell up in size. In a weaver ant colony, even the larvae must contribute to home building, while remoras, also known as "shark-suckers" have a long wait for the right mobile home to appear – a bull shark. Finding a home is one thing, but defending it is quite another. Pikas (a diminutive relative of the rabbit) must guard their larders from thieving neighbors while a pack of hunting dogs rely on disciplined teamwork to protect their home turf when hyenas try to muscle in. •Power: A honeypot ant queen allies with other queens to build an army, but when the job is done all but one royal will be eliminated by the army they have created. For a juvenile bald eagle, power – or the lack of it – could mean starvation. While a young meerkat's spectacular altercation with a cobra will influence his standing in the clan, a male chimpanzee's existence is one long battle for power; one false move can undo a lifetime of struggle. But power is the ultimate prize: animals will use any means to rise through the ranks and win the game of life. •Courtship: The male of the dazzling, aptly-named peacock jumping spider must pick his way between the bodies of failed suitors for his one chance to win a female's affections. For the green turtle, it's the female who risks her life: as males pile in to mate with her, she struggles beneath their combined weight, desperate for a breath of air at the surface. But few will go as far as one unlikely architect. Diminutive and drab, a male pufferfish compensates for his lack of charisma by building the most complicated and perfect structure made by any animal – a spectacular submarine "crop circle" in the sand – created to get himself noticed by a female. •Parenthood: Some parents risk their own lives for their offspring. After laying her eggs in the best possible location, a mother green turtle races time and tide to survive, while a mother bison must fend off an entire pack of wolves in pursuit of her precious calf. There's no substitute for a mother's love; a hanuman langur gratefully accepts the services of an apparently adoring babysitter, but must intervene when playtime gets too rough for her delicate infant. A devoted fork-tailed drongo mother is duped into caring for someone else's offspring. Not so for a bonobo mother whose commitment to her own son lasts a lifetime, in the most intimate wild footage captured of this species in 10 years. The 2-disc set will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: The Making of Life Story; Interview with David Attenborough; and David Attenborough Meets the Meerkats. You can find the latest specs for 'Life Story' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 29. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Mar 18, 2016 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Melody Gardot: Live at The Olympia Paris' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]The 2016 concert is headed for Blu-ray in May. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Eagle Rock is preparing 'Melody Gardot: Live at The Olympia Paris' for Blu-ray on May 6. Philadelphia native Melody Gardot's music is unable to be defined by genre, ranging from soulful, sultry, sassy, rich, and emotive. A Grammy-nominated jazz-pop singer-songwriter, Gardot's performance on Live At The Olympia Paris is both intimate and emotional, as captured at the legendary venue in the French capital (originally created in the Belle Époque era), and her band is at the top of their form. Playing both guitar and piano, Gardot focuses primarily on songs from her most recent album Currency Of Man and 2009's My One And Only Thrill, with a couple of surprise tracks thrown in for good measure. Beyond her captivating expertise as a songwriter, vocalist, and performer, Melody Gardot is a beacon for perseverance against adversity. At the age of 19, Gardot sustained multiple head injuries in an accident, and her love of music served as the best form of therapy while hospitalized for months, resulting in her 2005 EP debut Some Lessons: The Bedroom Sessions. TRACKLISTING: 1) Don't Misunderstand 2) Same To You 3) She Don't Know 4) Bad News 5) March For Mingus 6) Morning Sun 7) Les Etoiles 8) Baby I'm A Fool 9) Who Will Comfort Me 10) Preacherman 11) It Gonna Come You can find the latest specs for 'Melody Gardot: Live at The Olympia Paris' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 6.Posted Fri Mar 18, 2016 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
Pioneer Launches LX301 & LX101 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X-Ready Elite Network AV Receivers, Prices Start at $500[teaser]Two new AV receiver models with immersive audio support have been revealed. [/teaser] Pioneer has detailed the latest additions to its home audio lineup. The upcoming LX301 & LX101 Elite Network Receivers will be available in April. The LX301 is a 7.2 channel receiver with 170 W/ch. Meanwhile, the LX101 is a 7.2 channel receiver with 140 W/ch. Both models also incorporate Pioneer's Multi-Channel Acoustic Calibration System (MCACC) and Phase Control. More features for both receivers include: - Support Dolby Atmos and are DTS:X-ready via a firmware update scheduled for this fall. - Reflex Optimizer enables you to enjoy Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound without having overhead speakers. - Both receivers support 4K/60p/4:4:4 24-bit video signal transmission with HDCP 2.2 technology. - Wireless connectivity includes GoogleCast, AirPlay, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi as well as FireConnect™ a wireless protocol that mirrors any audio source connected to the receiver—from vinyl to streaming audio—on optional FireConnect compatible speakers in other rooms. (Future firmware required. Multi-Room Audio requires Optional Future FireConnect compatible Pioneer 2016 WiFi Speaker. We do not guarantee that the AV Receiver will support all devices incorporating FireConnect.) - Enjoy a limitless flow of music, sports, talk, and news entertainment from internet radio stations and online music services, including Pandora®, Spotify®, TuneIn, TIDAL, and DEEZER. (Future firmware required for TIDAL and DEEZER. DEEZER not available in US.) - In addition to high-resolution sound source (192kHz / 24-bit) in FLAC, WAV, AIFF and Apple lossless file formats, DSD (2.8/5.6MHz) and Dolby® TrueHD® files are also supported. - Beginning April 1, all 2016 Elite AV receivers will enjoy a three-year warranty. Suggested retail price for the LX301 Elite Network Receiver is $700. Suggested retail price for the LX101 Elite Network Receiver is $500. Source: PioneerPosted Thu Mar 17, 2016 at 03:30 PM PDT by:
