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'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Blu-ray Officially Dated[teaser]J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: Episode VII arrives on April 5th. Blu-ray pre-orders are now up at Amazon! [/teaser] As previously reported, Disney/Buena Vista will be releasing 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' on Blu-ray on April 5. 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' shattered box office records upon its debut to become the cinematic event of a generation with over $926 million domestic and $2.05 billion worldwide. Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. When a defector named Finn crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map. Together, the young duo joins forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to make sure the Resistance receives the intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last of the Jedi Knights. Discover the complete story behind the making of Star Wars: The Force Awakens with in-depth documentary and bonus material that will take fans on an exciting journey behind the scenes. Secrets will be revealed through extensive footage, never-before-seen deleted scenes, and exclusive interviews with the actors and filmmakers. You can find the latest specs for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under April 5. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Mar 3, 2016 at 11:16 AM PST by: -
Amazon Reveals Echo Dot & Amazon Tap Alexa-Enabled Devices, Prices Start at $90[teaser]Two new Alexa-enabled products have been detailed. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the launch of its latest Alexa-enabled devices. The Amazon Tap and Echo Dot now join the previously released Amazon Echo smart speaker. The Amazon Tap is designed to serve as a mobile version of the Echo. The Tap is a portable Alexa-enabled speaker with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The device uses dual stereo speakers with Dolby processing to offer 360 degree omni directional audio. Users can simply tap the microphone button to enable the Alexa Voice Service, allowing them to ask for music, make searches, hear news, order products and more. The speaker is rated for up to nine hours of playback. The Amazon Tap is now available for pre-order for $130. Shipments will begin on March 31. Meanwhile, the Echo Dot is a hands free, voice controlled puck shaped device. Just like Echo, Dot uses far-field voice recognition. The product is designed to be connected to existing speakers through an audio cable of Bluetooth, allowing users to add voice control to their sound systems. In addition, the device also includes a small integrated speaker for use as an alarm clock or a voice assistant for smart home devices. Echo Dot is currently available exclusively to Prime members for $90 through Alexa Voice Shopping in limited quantities. Buyers simply need to say "Alexa, order an Echo Dot," into their Echo or Fire TV to make a purchase. Finally, Amazon's previously released Alexa-enabled Echo smart speaker is currently available for $180. The Echo is an always-on device that uses Wi-Fi to connect to the cloud through Amazon Web Services, allowing customers to ask for information, music, news, weather, and more. Likewise, thanks to its cloud integration, Echo actually adapts to your speech patterns, vocabulary, and personal preferences over time. The speaker features Far-field voice recognition that uses seven microphones to pick up a customer's commands. A 2.5-inch woofer and a 2-inch tweeter are integrated as well, offering 360 degree omni directional audio. Source: AmazonPosted Thu Mar 3, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Miguel Gomes' 'Arabian Nights Trilogy' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]All three volumes will arrive on Blu-ray in May.[/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Kino is preparing 'Arabian Nights Trilogy' for Blu-ray on May 3. In Portugal - one European country in crisis - a film director proposes to build fictional stories from the miserable reality he is immersed in. However, failing to find meaning in his work, he cowardly runs away and leaves the beautiful Scheherazade to stand in his shoes. She will require enthusiasm and courage so as not to bore the King with sad stories of this country. As nights go past, restlessness leads to desolation and in turn to enchantment. Therefore Scheherazade organizes the stories she tells the King in three volumes. She begins like this: "It hath reached me, O auspicious King, that in a sad country among all countries...". 'Arabian Nights: Volume 1' - The Restless One- In which Scheherazade tells of the restlessness that befell the country: "It hath reached me, O auspicious King, that in a sad country among all countries, where people dream of mermaids and whales, and unemployment is spreading. In certain places, forests burn into the night despite the falling rain; men and women long to set out to sea in the middle of winter. Sometimes there are animals that talk although it is highly improbable that they are listened to. In this country, where things are not what they appear to be, men of power promenade on camels and hide permanent and shameful erections; they await the moment when taxes are collected so they can pay a certain wizard whom..." And seeing the morning break, Scheherazade fell silent. 'Arabian Nights: Volume 2 - The Desolate One' - In which Scheherazade tells of how desolation invaded men: "It hath reached me, O auspicious King, that a distressed judge will cry instead of giving out her sentence on a night when all three moons are aligned. A runaway murderer will wander through the land for over forty days and will teletransport himself to escape the Police while dreaming of prostitutes and partridges. A wounded cow will reminisce about a thousand-year-old olive tree while saying what she must say, which will sound none less than sad! The residents of a tower block in the suburbs will save parrots and piss inside lifts while surrounded by dead people and ghosts; including in fact a dog that..." And seeing the morning break, Scheherazade fell silent. – "Damned tales! If things continue this way my daughter will surely end up with her throat slit!" – the Grand-Vizier, Scheherazade's father, thinks in his palace in Bagdad.'Arabian Nights: Volume 3 - The Enchanted' - In which Scheherazade doubts that she will still be able to tell stories to please the King, given that what she has to tell weighs three thousand tons. She therefore escapes from the palace and travels the kingdom in search of pleasure and enchantment. Her father, the Grand-Vizier, arranges to meet her at the Ferris wheel and Scheherazade resumes her narration: "O auspicious King, in old shanty towns of Lisbon there was a community of bewitched men who, with all dedication and passion, devoted themselves to teaching birds to sing..." And seeing the morning break, Scheherazade fell silent. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: Redemption (2013), a short film by Miguel Gomes; New York Film Festival: A Conversation with Miguel Gomes; and a Booklet with Production Diary and Essay by Dennis Lim. Suggested list price for the 3-Disc Blu-ray has not been announced. You can find the latest specs for 'Arabian Nights Trilogy' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 3.Posted Thu Mar 3, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Lionsgate Details 'Standoff' for Blu-ray[teaser]Thomas Jane and Laurence Fishburne will go head to head on Blu-ray in April.[/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'Standoff' for Blu-ray on April 12. Carter (Thomas Jane), a troubled veteran gets a chance at redemption by protecting a 12 year-old girl from a deadly assassin (Laurence Fishburne) after she witnesses a murder. Holding a shotgun with a single shell, he engages in physical and psychological warfare in a desperate fight for the girl's life. The Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack will feature 1080p video and a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. No supplements have been detailed at this time. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Standoff' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 12. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Mar 3, 2016 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
'Fifty Shades of Black' Blu-ray Up for Pre-Order[teaser]The spoof flick is heading to Blu-ray later this year.[/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing 'Fifty Shades of Black' for Blu-ray in 2016. From Marlon Wayans, and the director of 'A Haunted House,' 'Fifty Shades Of Black' is an outrageous comedy starring Marlon Wayans in the role of Mr. Black. An inexperienced college student meets a wealthy businessman whose sexual practices put a strain on their relationship. In addition to Marlon Wayans, the movie stars Kali Hawk, Mike Epps, Andrew Bachelor, Affion Crockett, Jane Seymour, Fred Willard and Florence Henderson. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray/Digital HD combo pack is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Fifty Shades of Black' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Mar 3, 2016 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Samsung Reportedly Ends 3D TV Support, 2016 Display Lineup to Be 2D Only[teaser]Reports indicate that the manufacturer will no longer support 3D in its new display lineup. [/teaser] According to a report from CNET, none of Samsung's upcoming 2016 TVs for the US market will support 3D. Though some carryover models from 2015 will still include 3D capabilities, the manufacturer will not have any new models with 3D support this year. CNET cites an anonymous source from within Samsung for the confirmation. According to the source, 3D support has been abandoned in order for the company to focus more on smart TV features and SmartThings home automation integration. While still a desirable feature for displays among many home theater enthusiasts, 3D tech for TVs and Blu-ray players has seen its market share decrease in the US every year since 2012. Likewise, the recently launched Ultra HD Blu-ray disc platform does not even include 3D support in its spec. In addition to Samsung, other brands like VIZIO have already removed 3D capabilities from their lineup, and more companies are cutting back on support. Thankfully for 3D fans, LG remains committed to supporting 3D as a step-up feature in its higher-end models. About one third of the company's 2016 lineup will feature 3D, including the LG 65UH8500 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV ($2,998), LG OLED65E6P 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Flat Smart OLED TV ($7,000), and LG OLED65G6P 65-Inch 4K Ultra HD Flat Smart OLED TV ($8,000). Likewise, Sony is also releasing new 2016 TVs with 3D support, but only on their premium XBR-55X930D ($3,300), XBR-65X930D ($4,998), and XBR-75X940D models. Samsung's lack of 3D support for its 2016 TVs doesn't quite usher in the end of the technology, but it does mark a major blow for 3D's future in the home theater. The company's 2D-only 2016 lineup of Ultra HD TVs will feature 10-bit Quantum dot displays, HDR support, the Tizen Smart TV platform, and HDMI 2.0a for full compatibility with the recently released UBD-K8500 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player. Source: CNETPosted Wed Mar 2, 2016 at 03:15 PM PST by: -
Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos Tech Highlighted in New 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Behind-the-Scenes Clips[teaser]Dolby highlights the sights and sounds of a galaxy far, far away. [/teaser] Dolby has released a trio of new behind-the-scenes videos for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.' The clips focus on the film's use of Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos and how the technologies help to create an enhanced visual and auditory experience. 'The Force Awakens' takes place thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire as the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. When a defector named Finn crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map. Together, the young duo joins forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to make sure the Resistance receives the intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last of the Jedi Knights. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Film Editing, Visual Effects, Original Score, Sound Editing and Sound Mixing. In the first behind-the-scenes video, dubbed "Sights and Sounds of Space," co-producer Ben Rosenblatt and various members of the A/V crew offer a rundown of the Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos processes. Special note is made of Dolby Vision's superior contrast, allowing for true black levels in space. Check out the video below for more details! In the second video, titled "Sound of Symphony in Dolby Atmos," the A/V crew elaborates on how the Dolby Atmos mixing process was used to expand John Williams' Academy Award nominated score, allowing them to spread the music to the surrounds in new, immersive ways. Check out the video below for more info! Finally, in the third video, called "Saber Sparks and Sonics," the A/V crew directs their attention to everyone's favorite 'Star Wars' prop, the lightsaber. The participants explain how Dolby Vision's expanded color range allowed them to make the lightsabers pop like never before. Likewise, details are shared on how Atmos' object-based mixing was used to create pinpoint accurate lightsaber battles. Check out the video below! 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' is now available for pre-order on Blu-ray for a suggested retail price of $39.99. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Mar 2, 2016 at 12:30 PM PST by: -
Ken Burns' 'Jackie Robinson' Blu-ray Pre-Orders Live[teaser]The 4-hour documentary about the legend who broke baseball’s color barrier is planned for Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, PBS says 'Jackie Robinson' will hit Blu-ray on April 12. This moving documentary tells the life story of Jack Roosevelt Robinson, the man and hero who broke baseball's color barrier. He continued to fight the race battle off the field long after he retired and helped in the Civil Rights Movement. "Jackie Robinson is the most important figure in our nation’s most important game,” said Ken Burns. “He gave us our first lasting progress in civil rights since the Civil War and, ever since I finished my BASEBALL series in 1994, I’ve been eager to make a stand-alone film about the life of this courageous American. There was so much more to say not only about Robinson’s barrier-breaking moment in 1947, but about how his upbringing shaped his intolerance for any form of discrimination and how after his baseball career, he spoke out tirelessly against racial injustice, even after his star had begun to dim.” Born in 1919 to tenant farmers in rural Georgia and raised in Pasadena, California, Robinson challenged institutional racism long before he integrated Major League Baseball. As a teenager, he demanded service at a Woolworth’s lunch counter and refused to sit in the segregated balcony at a local movie theater. In 1944, while serving as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Robinson was arrested after he defied an order from a civilian bus driver to move to the back of a military bus. He was found not guilty. In the spring of 1947, Brooklyn Dodgers General Manager Branch Rickey signed Robinson to a major league contract. To help ensure the success of their endeavor, and protect the big league prospects of future African American players, Robinson agreed to ignore the threats and abuse that Rickey assured him he would face. That season, Robinson kept his word, remaining silent while he dazzled fans with his brilliant play and helped lead the Dodgers to the National League pennant. By the end of the year, he was the most famous black man in the country and in one poll, finished second only to Bing Crosby as the most popular American. In 1949, Robinson began to speak out, challenging opposing players, arguing with umpires and speaking his mind to the press, and he played some of the best baseball of his career, winning the National League MVP award. Despite his accomplishments on the field, his outspokenness drew criticism across the league, from the press and even from black fans and players who worried he would set back the progress that African Americans had achieved in baseball. When he retired in 1956, many were happy to see him go. After baseball, Robinson continued to use his immense fame to elevate the civil rights movement, voicing his views through a widely read newspaper column in the New York Post, raising money for the NAACP and Martin Luther King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and campaigning vigorously for candidates he believed would work to improve the lives of African Americans. Meanwhile, in Stamford, Connecticut, the Robinson family faced the challenge of integrating schools, social clubs and Little League teams in their mostly white suburb, where residents and real estate agents had once tried to keep them from buying property. “JACKIE ROBINSON” is also a warm portrait of a loving and devoted husband and father, featuring extensive interviews with Robinson’s widow, Rachel, and their surviving children, Sharon and David, who witnessed firsthand how resistant society could be to equality for African Americans, even their enormously popular father. As the 1960s progressed, many African Americans grew frustrated with the slow pace of change in black neighborhoods, and new leaders began charting a more militant course for the civil rights movement. Robinson denounced their calls for progress by “any means necessary” and criticized them for rejecting integration. Some young African Americans accused Robinson of being out of touch — chiding him for his ties to Branch Rickey, New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller and other prominent whites — and sought new, more defiant cultural heroes such as Muhammad Ali and Jim Brown. But even as his celebrity waned and diabetes ravaged his body, Robinson continued to push for fair treatment and equal opportunities for all African Americans. After throwing out the first pitch before game two of the 1972 World Series, he told the crowd, and millions watching at home, that it was long past time for Major League Baseball to hire its first black manager. He died nine days later at just 53 years of age. “Jackie Robinson,” Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, was “a sit-inner before sit-ins, a freedom rider before freedom rides.” In addition to Rachel, Sharon and David Robinson, “JACKIE ROBINSON” features interviews with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama; former Dodgers teammates Don Newcombe, Carl Erskine and Ralph Branca; writers Howard Bryant and Gerald Early; Harry Belafonte; Tom Brokaw; and Carly Simon. Jamie Foxx is the voice of Jackie Robinson, reading excerpts from his newspaper columns, personal letters and autobiographies. Funding is provided by Bank of America; Public Broadcasting Service; Corporation for Public Broadcasting; The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; Dalio Foundation; Mr. Jack C. Taylor; and members of The Better Angels Society, including Jessica & John Fullerton and John & Catherine Debs. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but the Blu-ray will have a suggested list price of $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Jackie Robinson' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 12. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Mar 2, 2016 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
Sony Reduces Price of PlayStation Vue by $10 and Launches Disney/ABC & ESPN Media Channels[teaser]The streaming TV platform has received a price cut along with new channels. [/teaser] Sony has announced the addition of Disney and ESPN Media Networks to its PlayStation Vue internet TV service. To coincide with the launch, the company has also revealed a $10 price cut for all of the service's multi-channel plans. The new monthly subscription pricing is as follows: Access: 60+ channels – includes broadcast TV, cable, movies and sports, available for $39.99Core: 75+ channels – includes all the channels in Access with the addition of regional sports networks, available for $44.99Elite: 100+ channels – features all the channels in Access and Core, with the addition of more sports channels, top movie and entertainment networks, available for $54.99. Meanwhile, the new Disney/ESPN channels include: ABC (Access)Disney Channel (Access)Disney Junior (Access)Disney XD (Access)Freeform (Access)Fusion (Elite)ESPN (Access)ESPN 2 (Access)ESPNU (Core)ESPNEWS (Core)SEC Network (Core) Qualified users can also now access popular ESPN and ABC apps using their PlayStation Vue login information. In addition, local ABC stations have been added to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Likewise, ESPN3, ESPN Goal Line, ESPN Buzzer Beater, ESPN Bases Loaded, Longhorn Network, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Classic will also be added to PlayStation Vue at a later date. Beyond the new Disney/ESPN channels, PlayStation Vue offers live and on-demand content from more than 85 channels, including popular stations from CBS, FOX, NBCUniversal, Viacom, Turner, Discovery Communications, Scripps Networks Interactive, and AMC. The platform enables viewers to easily search through available programming with an intuitive interface and convenient personal recommendations. In addition, if customers tag a favorite series they will be given cloud access to episodes of that show for 28 days with no storage restrictions. PlayStation Vue is currently available through the Chromecast, Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, iPad, and iPhone in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, San Francisco, and Miami TV markets. New subscribers can receive a 7 day free trial. Current subscribers will see the new pricing reflected in their next billing cycle. Source: PlayStation VuePosted Wed Mar 2, 2016 at 10:15 AM PST by: -
Brian De Palma's 'Raising Cain' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The 1992 thriller starring John Lithgow will be getting a Collector's Edition Blu-ray this summer. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scream Factory has revealed 'Raising Cain: Collector's Edition' will debut on Blu-ray on June 28. When Jenny cheated on her husband, he didn't just leave...he split. From master of terror Brian De Palma comes this stylish psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final frame. Carter Nix (John Lithgow) is a respected psychologist, loving husband and devoted father who decides to take a year off to help raise his daughter. Carter's wife Jenny is pleased to have her attentive husband home – at first. When Carter shows obsessive behavior toward their daughter, Jenny becomes concerned, and to complicate matters, Jenny's old flame re-enters her life. But nothing can prepare her for the emergence of Carter's multiple personalities, and a fiendish plot to recreate the infamous experiments of his deranged father. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Raising Cain: Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under June 28.Posted Wed Mar 2, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by:
