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'Once I Was a Beehive' Blu-ray Dated for April[teaser]The family film will arrive on Blu-ray in April.[/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, +180 Records is preparing 'Once I Was a Beehive' for Blu-ray on April 19. Lane Speer is a 16 year old girl who spends her family vacations camping in the mountains. She takes the memories for granted until she loses her father to an unexpected bout with cancer. Only a year later, as Lane is still reeling from her father's death, her mother remarries a guy that Lane hardly knows. Worst of all, he is a Mormon. To top it off, while they are on their honeymoon, they arrange to have her stay with her Mormon step-aunt who takes her away to a bible-themed girls camp with a bunch of young Mormon girls. Confronted with memories of camping with her family, she tries to find peace with her new surroundings and deal with the death of her father. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Once I Was a Beehive' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 19. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Mar 1, 2016 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Apichatpong Weerasethakul's 'Cemetery of Splendour' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The acclaimed drama will be available on Blu-ray this summer. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Strand Releasing is preparing 'Cemetery of Splendour' for Blu-ray on June 14. Soldiers with a mysterious sleeping sickness are transferred to a temporary clinic in a former school. The memory-filled space becomes a revelatory world for housewife and volunteer Jenjira, as she watches over Itt, a handsome soldier with no family visitors. Jen befriends young medium Keng who uses her psychic powers to help loved ones communicate with the comatose men. Doctors explore ways, including colored light therapy, to ease the mens' troubled dreams. Jen discovers Itt's cryptic notebook of strange writings and blueprint sketches. There may be a connection between the soldiers' enigmatic syndrome and the mythic ancient site that lies beneath the clinic. Magic, healing, romance and dreams are all part of Jen's tender path to a deeper awareness of herself and the world around her. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: Mekong Hotel (dir. Apichatpong Weerasethakul, 61 min) - Shifting between fact and fiction in a hotel situated along the Mekong River, a film-maker rehearses a movie expressing the bonds between a vampiric mother and daughter; and More... You can find the latest specs for 'Cemetery of Splendour' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under June 14. 13 Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Mar 1, 2016 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Netflix Names New Showrunners for 'House of Cards'[teaser]The streaming service has revealed the new showrunners for its popular original series. [/teaser] Netflix has named Melissa James Gibson and Frank Pugliese as the new showrunners for 'House of Cards.' Both writers have been with the series since its third season in 2014. The entirety of season four is set to premiere on March 4. "I welcome Frank and Melissa in their new roles on House of Cards and look forward to collaborating with them and our creative team on Season Five," said executive producer Kevin Spacey. Melissa James Gibson and Frank Pugliese will take on showrunning duties beginning with season five. They succeed previous showrunner Beau Willimon who oversaw the upcoming fourth season. The Netflix original series is produced by Donen/Fincher/Roth and Trigger Street Productions, Inc. in association with Media Rights Capital for Netflix. In the show's fourth season, the critically acclaimed Emmy nominated drama has its Golden Globe and SAG Award winning star Kevin Spacey (as Francis Underwood) and Golden Globe winner Robin Wright (as Claire Underwood), whose characters have always been each other's strongest allies, showing cracks in their relationship. In an election year, the stakes are now higher than ever, and the biggest threat they face is contending with each other. The show also stars Michael Kelly, Mahershala Ali, Jayne Atkinson, Neve Campbell, Derek Cecil, Nathan Darrow, Kim Dickens, Elizabeth Marvel, Dominique McElligott, Molly Parker, Paul Sparks, with Ellen Burstyn, Cicely Tyson and Joel Kinnaman. "We and the rest of the House of Cards writers look forward to the next chapter of the reign of Underwood," said Gibson and Pugliese. All 13 episodes of the show's fourth season will be available for streaming through Netflix on March 4. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Mon Feb 29, 2016 at 04:00 PM PST by: -
Amazon Streams 'The Fashion Fund' Free of Charge to All Customers[teaser]The docu-series will premiere weekly through Amazon free of charge. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the debut of its latest streaming show. 'The Fashion Fund' is an unscripted competition show that focuses on the process of selecting designers for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. The series will be available for free ad-supported playback to all Amazon users. "We are thrilled to launch The Fashion Fund on Amazon Video, and to work with fashion icons Diane von Furstenberg and Anna Wintour," said Michael Paull, Vice President, Digital Video, Amazon. “We’re going to continue to push the boundaries with our original content and look forward to bringing our customers even more exciting shows to watch." Discover the future of fashion in this ultimate insider competition. Follow 10 up and coming designers as they compete to join the ranks of previous Fashion Fund winners such as Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler. Each week the designers will be tested and judged by fashion's elite, including Vogue's Anna Wintour and designer Diane Von Furstenberg, for a chance to win $400,000 and a mentorship. Amazon is now streaming the show's 10-episode third season. New half hour installments will premiere every Thursday. The series is produced by Condé Nast Entertainment and Break Thru Films. "Collaborating with Amazon enabled us to truly innovate and add a retail experience to The Fashion Fund, which will delight viewers," said Dawn Ostroff, president of Condé Nast Entertainment. "CNE is a true next-generation studio, working with the best companies to deliver the most compelling, immersive storytelling experiences to our audiences, and Amazon, home to some of the best content, is the perfect match for this series." The first season three episode of 'The Fashion Fund' is now available to stream for free through the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV, mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/fashionfund. Source: Amazon via BusinessWirePosted Mon Feb 29, 2016 at 03:00 PM PST by: -
'Deadpool' Ultra HD Blu-ray Up For Pre-Order![teaser]Ryan Reynolds puts on the anti-hero's tights and heads to Ultra HD Blu-ray later this year. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, 20th Century Fox says 'Deadpool' will be pummeling Ultra HD Blu-ray in the spring. Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is a former Special Forces operative who now works as a mercenary. His world comes crashing down when evil scientist Ajax (Ed Skrein) tortures, disfigures and transforms him into Deadpool. The rogue experiment leaves Deadpool with accelerated healing powers and a twisted sense of humor. With help from mutant allies Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), Deadpool uses his new skills to hunt down the man who nearly destroyed his life. 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 $39.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Deadpool' linked from our Ultra HD Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING. Order the Ultra HD Blu-rayPosted Mon Feb 29, 2016 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: February 2016Every month, dozens of Blu-rays hit shelves, littering stores with High-Def temptation. New releases, catalog titles, complete TV seasons, and elaborate box-sets all vie for attention, and with so many worthy releases targeting our wallets, choosing which discs to spend our hard earned cash on can be rather tricky. To make things a little easier, we here at High-Def Digest thought it might be helpful to bring you our top three must own recommendations for the month. From important classics to contemporary blockbusters, these are the discs that we consider to be the absolute cream of the crop. High quality releases with great video, audio, and supplements, these are the Blu-rays that are truly worth every penny. Last month we spotlighted a harrowing trip to the "Red Planet," a heart-pumping crime thriller, and an inspiring true life story... in 3D! Be sure to check out the Essential Picks for November 2012, December 2012, January 2013,February 2013, March 2013, April 2013, May 2013, June 2013, July 2013, August 2013, September 2013, October 2013, November 2013, December 2013, January 2014, February 2014, March 2014, April 2014, May 2014, June 2014, July 2014, August 2014, September 2014, October 2014, November 2014,December 2014, January 2015, February 2015, March 2015, April 2015, May 2015, June 2015, July 2015, August 2015, September 2015, October 2015, November 2015, December 2015, and January 2016. [teaser]For February, we're covering a powerful investigative thriller, a seductive coming of age classic, and a stirring espionage drama. [/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there are some SPOILERS for the discs listed. If you only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in February, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Spotlight' - Looking the other way, turning a blind eye, or foolishly rationalizing injustice for the sake of routine complacency, can all be disturbingly simple endeavors. After all, choosing to not speak up is essentially an easy task, for it requires no action at all -- merely the absence of action. But what about doing the right thing? Seeking truth and justice, upsetting the applecart and exposing wrongdoing and corruption even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds -- what does that take? In 'Spotlight,' director Tom McCarthy provides an answer, reminding us what good old fashioned reporting looks like through some good old fashioned filmmaking. Paying respect to the real-life reporters that inspired the script, the film becomes a quietly riveting examination of investigative journalism, tracing the careful steps and intricate minutia that go into building and executing a story of this significance. From conception and inquiry to analysis and vetting to timing and careful tweaking, the procedure is demonstrated in full, finding genuine suspense and drama within the realistic ups and downs of editorial decision making. Likewise, each increasingly disturbing revelation in the Catholic Church molestation cover-up is presented with understated weight, mostly letting the inherent magnitude of the corruption speak for itself. With that said, there are key moments when the characters' discontent can no longer stay nestled just beneath the surface, and the cast -- especially Mark Ruffalo -- all do an amazing job of keeping their performances grounded yet still powerful in potent bursts. Likewise, though clearly filled with admiration for its protagonists, the movie does not ignore their weaknesses, painting a very human and realistic portrait of the process, regrettable past mistakes and all. Through unassuming yet carefully constructed form and straightforward yet methodical storytelling, the director mirrors the similar due diligence, streamlined focus, and commitment to detail that fuel the reporters in his film. Winner of the Best Picture Oscar at the 88th Academy Awards, the movie rightfully earns its heavy praise, cementing the, uh, spotlight in this month's list of must own titles. Buy the Blu-ray 'The Graduate' - What's that you say? I can now buy Mike Nichols' 'The Graduate' on Blu-ray with a new 4K digital restoration and a plethora of in-depth supplements? Criterion, you're trying to seduce me... and it's working! A milestone of American cinema and one of the defining films of the "New Hollywood" movement, this unconventional coming-of-age tale remains one of the most assured and influential mixtures of form and content to ever hit the silver screen. Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) is looking for something. He doesn't know what it is -- only that it's got nothing to do with "plastics." Like many recent grads, he's confused, listless, and disillusioned. And then along comes Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft)… and then off go her clothes. Painfully funny, the satirical narrative probes deep into the inherent uncertainty of youth and the tragic missed opportunities of middle-age -- eliciting dry laughs and affecting insights in equal measure. And through a highly influential fusion of sight and sound, director Mike Nichols breathes innovative cinematic life into all of those laughs and insights. From playful framing and quick cutting shots to reframing zooms and repeated visual motifs to post/pre-lapped sound and an iconic Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack, the movie's style is perfectly attuned to its narrative, using the unique attributes of filmmaking to enhance the emotions, subtext, and meaning of every scene. And then there's the climax. Becoming the very definition of ambiguity on screen, the film's iconic final image is full of unrestrained joy and sobering doubt. Subverting the romantic finale it seemingly begins to promise, Ben's story doesn't so much end as it simply trails off -- fading to black with an eternal ellipses underscored by the wistful sound of silence… Despite being one of my favorite films (or perhaps because it's one of my favorite films), I've held off on buying the previous Blu-ray from MGM because I suspected a more comprehensive edition would eventually hit the market. And now it's here! Far from a lazy double dip, this is a masterful release of a genuine American masterpiece -- easily making this disc one of February's most seductive releases. Buy the Blu-ray 'Bridge of Spies' - A distinct stylistic voice is the mark of any great filmmaker -- and few directors carry one more instantly recognizable than the great Steven Spielberg. Playing up all of his silver screen trademarks to a tee, 'Bridge of Spies' essentially becomes a cinematic demonstration for why these techniques continue to work so well. And thankfully, it also happens to simply be a damn fine film. As the winding spy thriller weaves its Cold War tale of loyalty, justice, perseverance, and sacrifice, the director runs through his usual bag of tricks -- revealing a veteran filmmaker completely at home in his craft. Every camera movement, composition, wide shot, cut to close-up, and music cue is so expertly and effortlessly composed, building just the right emotional response and dramatic turn, that one gets the sense that Spielberg could probably start directing in his sleep. Thankfully, however, it's very clear that he was indeed wide awake here, and this is far from a "phoned in" effort. It's just so precisely and almost invisibly crafted, that it all looks deceptively easy. With that said, some of the director's more overtly sentimental trappings do become a bit transparent. The way the rousing music gently creeps in during an inspiring monologue, for instance, can't help but reveal the cinematic calculations at work -- and yet, this doesn't take away from the power of these scenes. It just becomes a perfect example of why the director's methods are so damn effective in the first place. Sure, Spielberg's style can be manipulative, but he's always so unashamedly sincere in his manipulation that it never fails to elicit the response he desires -- which more often than not means turning me into a blubbering mess. And if emotional resonance is your goal, it certainly doesn't hurt to have Tom Hanks at the center of your cast. Once again playing a likeable "everyman" who takes on a decidedly not-so everyman task, Hanks imbues the role with a steadfast matter-of-fact morality that makes it nearly impossible to disagree with his risky yet unshakably honorable choices. Coupled with Mark Rylance in his Academy Award-winning performance as the script's exceedingly soft-spoken and polite Russian spy, the pair create a surprisingly affecting friendship -- one that goes on to ground the movie's twisting game of politics and negotiations with two very human perspectives. A Spielbergian drama in all the right ways, 'Bridge of Spies' manages to edge out another very notable February spy thriller for the last spot on this list. After all, overwrought Sam Smith song notwithstanding, when's the last time a Bond film made a grown man cry? Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this February, those are our top three must own recommendations. We'll be back next month with three more essential picks, but for now, what do you think of our selection? What are your choices for February's must own titles?Posted Mon Feb 29, 2016 at 11:16 AM PST by: -
'Little House on the Prairie: Season Nine' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The show's final season is coming to Blu-ray in April.[/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'Little House on the Prairie: Season Nine' for Blu-ray on April 19. It's a fond farewell for the Ingalls, in the ninth and final season of this unrivaled series, when they decide it’s time to leave their "little house." Relish all 21 uncut episodes filled with exciting changes like when the Wilders take in their sweet niece Jenny; when Laura wins a book-writing contest; when a jealous Nancy runs away; and when Willie surprises the family with his engagement. Enjoy the final, heartwarming moments of the much-loved series, restored and remastered for superior picture and sound. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the 6-Disc Blu-ray is $29.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Little House on the Prairie: Season Nine' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 19. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Feb 29, 2016 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Sex Murder Art: The Films of Jorg Buttgereit' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]Four horror films from director Jorg Buttgereit will terrorize Blu-ray in April. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Cult Epics is preparing 'Sex Murder Art: The Films of Jorg Buttgereit' for Blu-ray on April 12. Cult Epics presents Sex Murder Art: The Films of Jorg Buttgereit, a collection of his four horror underground films; the necrophilia classics Nekromantik & Nekromantik 2, the death and suicide anthology Der Todesking (The Death King) and the premiere of the serial killer film Schramm on Blu-ray. Includes exclusive Soundtrack CD's of the films and a 40-page booklet containing interviews and photos with Jorg Buttgereit and collaborators. Fully Uncut & Uncensored versions. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: Two versions of NekromantikExclusive Introductions for each film by Jorg ButtgreitQ&A with Jorg ButtgereitAudio CommentariesThe Making OfsFeaturettesStill Photo GalleriesJorg Buttgereit TrailersDocumentary: Corpse F*****g ArtShort films: Hot Love, A Moment of Silence at the Grave of Ed Gein, Horror Heaven, Bloody Excess in the Leaders Bunker, My FatherMusic Video: Half Girl by Jorg ButtgereitOriginal Motion Picture SoundtracksLive Concert of Nekromantik 2BD Exclusive new art design by Silver FeroxExclusive CD Soundtrack of Nekromantik & Nekromantik 2Exclusive CD 2 Soundtrack of Der Todesking & SchrammBD Exclusive 40-page perfect-bind booklet with Interviews & exclusive photos Suggested list price for the 4-Disc Blu-ray/2-Disc CD set is $99.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Sex Murder Art: The Films of Jorg Buttgereit' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under April 12. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Feb 29, 2016 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Cinedigm Preps 'RWBY: Volume 3' for Blu-ray[teaser]The animated action series is heading to Blu-ray in May.[/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Cinedigm is preparing 'RWBY: Volume 3' for Blu-ray on May 3. RWBY tracks the adventures of four young women Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang as they train to be monster-battling warriors (or Huntresses ) at a college named Beacon Academy. The future-fantasy world of Remnant is filled with ravenous monsters, treacherous terrain, and more villains than you can shake a sniper-scythe at. Fortunately, these four are there to battle the forces. Specs and supplements have not been detailed yet. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.95. You can find the latest specs for 'RWBY: Volume 3' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under May 3. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Feb 29, 2016 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Netflix Snags Exclusive Rights to Original Anime Series 'Perfect Bones'[teaser]The upcoming anime will premiere only on Netflix. [/teaser] Netflix and Production I.G have announced a new deal that will allow the streaming service to exclusively air the anime series 'Perfect Bones.' This will be the first time that an original anime will debut all of its episodes simultaneously in 190 countries. "We are incredibly excited to work with Production I.G, who have worked on hit series such as Attack on Titan and Psycho-Pass, in bringing one of the most daring new Anime titles produced today to all Netflix members and Anime fans around the world," said Erik Barmack, vice president, international originals. “In an era where the Internet knows no bounds, we are proud to deliver high quality original Anime to fans all over the world, at the exact same time, no matter where they live whether it be Japan, France, Mexico, the US, and beyond." 'Perfect Bones' is set in the future where scientists have tried to create the "perfect human" in hopes of keeping peace in the universe. After nearly achieving their goal through several children, the scientists send their "new humans" for further training where they are kidnapped by an evil organization set on using their powers to implement their own concept of a new world order. Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, President & CEO of Production I.G, said about the collaboration, "Among all the tv series and films Netflix offers, the titles I personally find the most amazing are Netflix originals. Production I.G is eager to present another impactful title brought through our creators’ passion and imagination. We're very excited about Perfect Bones!" The show is being directed by Kazuto Nakazawa and will consist of 12 episodes. An exact release date has not been announced. A current Netflix subscription starts at $10 for HD streaming and $12 for Ultra HD streaming. Source: NetflixPosted Fri Feb 26, 2016 at 12:30 PM PST by:
