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Park Heung-sik's 'Memories of the Sword' Planned for Blu-ray[teaser]The action-packed drama is getting a January Blu-ray release. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Well Go USA is preparing 'Memories of the Sword' for Blu-ray on January 12. As the greed and excess of a corrupt Monarchy threatens to destroy the once-glorious Goryeo Dynasty, three legendary warriors lead a revolt to overthrow the empire and save its people. But when deceit and betrayal costs the life of a master swordsman, a plot for justice and revenge is set into motion, raging for decades between the two survivors. From the director of CHILDREN OF HEAVEN and starring Byung-hun Lee (THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE WEIRD, TERMINATOR GENISYS), MEMORIES OF THE SWORD is a lavish epic that blends tragic historical drama with thrilling swordplay and martial arts. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Memories of the Sword' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 12. Order the Blu-rayPosted Thu Dec 3, 2015 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Panasonic Launches Value-Priced 4K Ultra HD TVs, Prices Start at $800[teaser]The company's latest Ultra HD TVs feature affordable prices. [/teaser] Panasonic has announced the release of its newest 4K displays. The CX400 and CX420 series Ultra HD TVs are geared toward budget conscious consumers. "Panasonic has a rich history and expertise in delivering category-leading HD and 4K Ultra HD TVs to consumers," said Julie Bauer, President, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "We have brought that same technological know-how to our first line of value-priced 4K Ultra HD TVs opening the 4K experience up to an even wider range of consumers who want Panasonic picture quality that fits their budget." The CX series consists of five 4K TV models that range in size from 50-inches to 65-inches. All of the displays use direct-lit LED panels with a resolution of 3840 x 2160p. Likewise, the televisions include integrated Smart TV apps, Wi-Fi connectivity, and pre-optimized picture settings. The CX400 series offers black bezels while the CX420 series uses matte silver bezels. The full lineup includes: TC-50CX400U (50" Class - 49.5" diagonal) – SRP $799.99 TC-55CX400U (55" Class – 54.6" diagonal) – SRP $999.99 TC-65CX400U (65" Class – 64.5" diagonal) – SRP $1,499.99 TC-55CX420U (55" Class – 54.6" diagonal) – SRP $999.99 TC-65CX420U (65" Class – 64.5" diagonal) – SRP $1,499.99 Panasonic's CX series Ultra HD TVs are now rolling out to select retailers. Likewise, the displays are currently available online through panasonic.com. Source: Panasonic via PR NewswirePosted Wed Dec 2, 2015 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'Frankenstein: The Complete Mini-Series Event' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The sci-fi mini-series will spring to life on Blu-ray next year. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Mill Creek Entertainment is preparing 'Frankenstein: The Complete Mini-Series Event' for Blu-ray on February 16. What happens when man violates the laws of God and science? For Captain Walton (Emmy and Golden Globe winner Donald Sutherland, The Hunger Games) and the crew of a weather-beaten ship stranded in the icy sea, the answer follows their rescue of a scientist close to death, frozen in fear, and insane with dire warnings. Viktor Frankenstein (Alec Newman, Frank Herbert's Dune) has a story to tell—a story as chillingly real as the tortured howls emanating from the Arctic fog and as timeless as the need to be loved. Specs, supplements, and a suggested list price have not been detailed yet. You can find the latest specs for 'Frankenstein: The Complete Mini-Series Event' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 16.Posted Wed Dec 2, 2015 at 12:00 PM PST by: -
'From Dusk Till Dawn: The Complete Season Two' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The second season of the horror series will sharpen its fangs on Blu-ray in February. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Entertainment One is preparing 'From Dusk Till Dawn: The Complete Season Two' for Blu-ray on February 2. In season two of the supernatural crime saga, core relationships deepen and become more complicated as everyone tries to put their lives back on track after one very insane day. Santánico and Richie (living outside of Houston) are now partners in crime, resembling a more modern version of Bonnie and Clyde; Seth and Kate are scraping by as small time criminals south of the border; and Freddie Gonzalez has an almost obsessive focus on protecting his wife and young daughter in the suburbs. Carlos Madrigal and Scott Fuller emerge from the Titty Twister, changed men. They will all come together once again – this time facing off against an even bigger threat. Supplements have not been detailed yet, but the Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. Suggested list price for the 3-Disc Blu-ray is $49.98. You can find the latest specs for 'From Dusk Till Dawn: The Complete Season Two' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 2. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Dec 2, 2015 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Lionsgate Details 'Kansas City Royals 2015 World Series Collector's Edition' for Blu-ray[teaser]The team will slide into home on Blu-ray in December. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate is preparing 'Kansas City Royals 2015 World Series Collector's Edition' for Blu-ray on December 8. Kansas City Royals 2015 World Series contains every inning, play, and heart-stopping moment of the 2015 World Series on high-definition Blu-ray. The set includes all five definitive 2015 World Series games in their entirety, preserving the complete, unedited footage of each game, along with the Sleevestat booklet with official stats and trivia for every game. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, a DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements will include Highlights from exciting regular season and Postseason games. Suggested list price for the 8-Disc Blu-ray is $69.98. You can find the latest specs for 'Kansas City Royals 2015 World Series Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 8. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Dec 2, 2015 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Cyber Monday Deals Week: Up to 54% off Samsung 4K Ultra HD TVs![teaser]Amazon is offering big discounts on select Samsung 4K displays! [/teaser] As part of the online retailer's Cyber Monday Deals Week promotion, Amazon is running a limited time sale on several Samsung Ultra HD TVs. 78-inch Curved-Screen UN78JS9100 - Currently $6,998 (30% off). 65-inch Curved-Screen UN65JS9500 - Currently $3,998 (33% off). 65-inch Curved-Screen UN65JS9000 - Currently $2,998 (40% off). 55-inch Curved-Screen UN55JS9000 - Currently $1,998 (50% off). 48-inch Curved-Screen UN48JS9000 - Currently $1,598 (54% off). 55-inch Flat-Screen UN55JS8500 - Currently $1,998 (33% off). 48-inch Flat-Screen UN48JS8500 - Currently $1,498 (40% off). 60-inch Flat-Screen UN60JS7000 - Currently $1,798 (14% off). 55-inch Flat-Screen UN55JS7000 - Currently $1,298 (19% off). 50-inch Flat-Screen UN50JS7000 - Currently $1,098 (16% off). These Cyber Monday Week deals will only be active for a limited time while supplies last. Make sure to stay tuned to High-Def Digest for more Cyber Monday sales and special promotions!Posted Wed Dec 2, 2015 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Cinema Libre Releases 'Olvidados' on Blu-ray[teaser]The drama starring Damián Alcázar is now available. [/teaser] In an announcement to retailers, Cinema Libre has released 'Olvidados' on Blu-ray. After suffering a heart attack, retired General José Mendieta (Damián Alcázar) is haunted by his dark past as an officer in Operation Condor, the CIA-backed campaign of political repression in Latin America that was responsible for executions, torture, and imprisonments in the 1970 s. It is estimated that over 400,000 people were imprisoned and 30,000 forcibly disappeared as a result of these government actions. In a letter to his son Pablo (Bernardo Peña), Mendieta confesses the role he played in the abduction, persecution, and execution of countless men and women during his posting to Chile. Journalist Marco (Carlotto Cotta) and his pregnant wife Luciá (Carla Ortiz) are among those who were arrested, along with their activist friend Antonio (Tomás Fonzi) and revolutionary Andrea (Ana Calentano). They suffer terribly under Mendieta and his cohort Sanera (Rafael Ferro, Guapas), which leads to a cascade of betrayals, secrets, and stolen lives that spans generations. Olvidados (Forgotten), Bolivia's Foreign Language Film submission for the 87th Academy Awards®, stars renowned actors from five countries, and was filmed in Bolivia, Argentina, and New York. It is the first film to specifically address the horrors perpetrated under Operation Condor, which was responsible for: 50,000 deaths; 30,000 disappeared ; and 400,000 arrested and imprisoned in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Specs have not been detaile yet, but supplements will include: Trailers; Photo Gallery; Making of Olvidados with Producer/Actress Carla Ortiz; Finding the Story; Production; Collaborating with the Artists; Post-Production; and The Film's Impact. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.95. You can find the latest specs for 'Olvidados' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under December 1. Order the Blu-rayPosted Wed Dec 2, 2015 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
DirecTV Readies Live 4K Ultra HD Broadcasts for Early 2016[teaser]The satellite company plans to start broadcasting live 4K content next year. [/teaser] During the New York TranSPORT conference, DirecTV confirmed that is prepping a live 4K Ultra HD broadcast service for early 2016. Currently, the company only offers on-demand 4K streaming media. According to a report from Advanced Television, DirecTV is currently testing Ultra HD sports broadcasts and already has the technology in place to launch around 50 channels at 30 Mb/s. The main issue delaying the arrival of live 4K transmissions involves the current lack of available Ultra HD content. With that in mind, DirecTV is now working with several partners to secure a more robust catalog of 4K content and channels for their live Ultra HD broadcast service. An exact start date for DirecTV's first live 4K content has not been announced yet, but the company is currently planning for an early 2016 launch. Sources: Advanced Television via EngadgetPosted Tue Dec 1, 2015 at 12:15 PM PST by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: November 2015Every 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 end of a groundbreaking TV series, a 90s animated classic, and an engrossing horror show. 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, and October 2015. [teaser]For November, we're covering an emotional animated adventure, a masterpiece of Japanese cinema, and a promising TV spinoff. [/teaser] Please be aware, that if you haven't already seen them, there are some MAJOR SPOILERS for the discs listed. If you can only buy three titles that hit Blu-ray in November, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Inside Out' - In the opening scene of Pixar's 'Inside Out,' first, there is Joy. And then, almost immediately, there is Sadness. Literally. It's a rather simple yet telling sequence of events -- one that could even serve as a kind of self-reflective mission statement for the studio's entire storytelling philosophy. As a company who has often made a living out of the animated balancing act between both sentiments, Pixar knows that you simply can't have one without the other. Examining this dueling dichotomy in full force, the film reveals exactly why. In other words, this just might be the most quintessentially "Pixar" movie Pixar has ever made, eliciting smiles and tears in such equal measure that the line between both becomes forever blurred -- turning audience members young and old into a blubbering mess of anthropomorphic emotions. What makes us who we are? Well, if Pixar is to be believed, it's a bickering group of sentient feelings that live inside our heads. Sounds pretty plausible to me. With Joy (Amy Poehler) at the helm, the story follows these emotions while they struggle to find balance within the tumultuous mind of an 11-year old girl. As Riley goes through typical growing pains, these external conflicts become a harrowing internal adventure that forces Joy and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) to work together. Through the filmmakers' high-flying allegory, the trauma of moving to a new city with a new school becomes a family friendly disaster flick, turning pain and embarrassment into potentially world-ending threats. Brimming with the studio's trademark sense of personality, gorgeous animation, and unassuming depth, the runtime offers amusing thrills, clever jokes, and insightful observations that ring so true... that it hurts. But, you know, in a good way. Notorious for their tear-jerking scripts and bittersweet storytelling, with 'Inside Out,' Pixar almost seems to be directly addressing their detractors, proudly and expertly demonstrating the necessity and constructive realities of sadness -- both as a component of life and as a component of a family film. But far from a depressing downer, this must own movie ends up blending the full spectrum of human emotions, becoming an exuberant celebration of life, family, and every little moment that defines who we are -- whether they be happy or sad or angry or scary or disgusting or everything and anything in between. Buy the Blu-ray 'Ikiru' - Good old fashioned talent is a key component for any successful director, but to create a truly stirring work of art, a filmmaker needs one more essential ingredient: Passion. Fueled by a genuine love for the craft of moviemaking, Akira Kurosawa had that trait in spades, infusing every frame of his many classic films with a palpable affection for cinema. And that infectious reverence is perhaps no better evident than in his achingly powerful 1952 masterpiece, 'Ikiru.' Through its humanistic tale of a dying man searching for meaning in his existence, the film's moving insights and intricate form reveal a director who has clearly already found his own purpose in life through the shifting lens of a camera. And with that lens, Kurosawa captures a uniquely structured examination of life and death. One that rather boldly defies typical narrative shape to offer an unconventional perspective. A perspective that requires the film's protagonist to die halfway through the runtime. In a nearly unprecedented choice, the last act of the movie relies on the story's supporting players to suss out the details of Watanabe's last days, gradually revealing the man's final actions through brief flashbacks and evolving revelations. And while reducing the main character's screentime to little more than a few cameos in the climax of his own story could have been disastrous, his limited appearances end up making the film's conclusion even more powerful, showing us exactly all we need to see and not a frame more -- culminating in one of the medium's most unassumingly breathtaking and utterly devastating shots. Even taken out of context, the image of an old man singing on a swing in the snow has an inherently wistful quality -- but placed within the expertly built groundwork that Kurosawa deftly constructs, that moment becomes pure cinema. Pure, inspiring, bittersweet, tear-inducing cinema. With a respectable technical presentation and an insightful collection of supplements, this disc from Criterion belongs on every classic film fan's shelf right along with 'Rashomon,' and 'High and Low,' and ' Seven Samurai,' and 'Throne of Blood,' and 'Ran,' and 'Yojimbo/Sanjuro' and, well, I think you get the point. Buy the Blu-ray 'Better Call Saul: The Complete First Season' - In the landscape of television, there are few prospects more exciting or nerve-wrecking than the emergence of a spin-off series to a beloved show. After all, creating one hit series is hard enough on its own, and attempting to capture that same lightning in a bottle for a second time is almost a fool's errand -- especially when that series has to measure up to something as critically lauded as 'Breaking Bad.' At its best, a spin-off can illuminate unexplored avenues of its parent show, finding an entirely new voice that enriches and expands upon the world already established. And at its worst, a spin-off can become nothing more than a forgettable rehash or even a regrettable mistake that only serves to tarnish what came before. Thankfully and rather miraculously, 'Better Call Saul' not only avoids becoming a rehash or a mistake, but it also genuinely comes close to reaching the same brilliance as its older small-screen sibling. On 'Breaking Bad,' slippery lawyer Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk) was mostly a source of comic relief from the show's otherwise intense material (you know, with all the meth dealing and door knocking). But as the series progressed, the filmmakers started to hint at deeper layers hidden beneath his shady exterior, creating an increasingly nuanced character. Despite this developing depth, I must admit, I had my doubts that the man could sustain a solo show of his own -- but by the time the first episode came to an end, these reasonable doubts were fully assuaged by Jimmy McGill's fast-talking closing arguments. Serving as a prequel, the show is charged with revealing how the down-on-his-luck Jimmy becomes the Saul Goodman we all know and love (more or less). And to do so, we get an intimate peek into the man he was before, creating an intricate character study that capitalizes on the potential first laid out in 'Breaking Bad' -- fleshing out McGill from a supporting player into a fully formed protagonist that is far more than just a sleazy lawyer. In fact, he's downright sympathetic. Likewise, the show also does an excellent job of creating an equally engaging supporting cast of new characters, including a fantastic turn from Michael McKean as Jimmy's older brother Chuck. And returning 'Bad' favorite, Mike Ehrmantraut (Johnathan Banks), is utilized perfectly, slowly but surely integrating the badass former cop into the larger narrative. While 'Breaking Bad' told the story of a mild-mannered man who becomes a criminal mastermind, 'Better Call Saul' is embarking on its own examination of an evolving (or devolving) protagonist -- weaving the tragicomic tale of a well-meaning but terribly unlucky and mistreated man who decides to stop playing by the rules. Engaging and surprisingly affecting, this first act in Saul Goodman's origin story is full of wit, suspense, and heartbreaking pathos. Walter White's shoes are not exactly easy to fill, but so far Gilligan, Odenkirk, and company seem to be breaking them in just fine. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this November, 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 November's must own titles?Posted Tue Dec 1, 2015 at 11:01 AM PST by: -
'My Science Project' Blu-ray Dated for February[teaser]The 80s action comedy is heading to Blu-ray in February. [/teaser]In an early announcement to retailers, Mill Creek Entertainment is preparing 'My Science Project' for Blu-ray on February 16. Michael Harlan (John Stockwell, Top Gun) has procrastinated on his science project until the last minute, and his teacher (Dennis Hopper, Speed) issues him an ultimatum; turn in a science project or flunk. So Mike scavenges a military base's junk pile for a suitable gizmo to pass off as his project. He finds one...and unwittingly unleashes the awesome power and energy of the unknown. Twisted dimensions and time warps collide to create a whirling vortex that takes the class on a startling adventure back in time and into the future. Specs, supplements, and a suggested list price have not been detailed yet. You can find the latest specs for 'My Science Project' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under February 16.Posted Tue Dec 1, 2015 at 11:00 AM PST by:
