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Takashi Miike's 'Over Your Dead Body' Planned for Blu-ray[teaser]The J-horror flick will haunt Blu-ray. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scream Factory is prepping 'Over Your Dead Body' for Blu-ray on January 5. Directed by Takashi Miike, OVER YOUR DEAD BODY is a modern take on one of Japan’s most famous ghost stories. Taking its cue from the art of Kabuki, the terrifying tale unfolds within the walls of a theatre where a troupe of players are in rehearsals for a production of Yotsuya Kaidan, a 200-year-old tale of murder, betrayal, and phantasmagorical vengeance — and where life comes to imitate art in ultimately shocking ways. A beautiful actress (Kô Shibasaki of 47 Ronin and Battle Royale) plays the protagonist in a new play based on a legendary ghost story. She pulls some strings to get her lover cast in the play, although he's a relatively unknown actor. With the cast in place, rehearsals for the play, about an abusive relationship and a grudge, begin. But off stage, some begin to develop their own obsessions. Trapped between the play and reality, they are horrified to find that a real grudge can cross the blurred line between reality and fantasy. Will love flourish? Or has it already turned hideously dark? This much-anticipated movie premiered in the Vanguard Section of Toronto International Film Festival and has since played in the Sitges Film Festival, Etrange Festival, and the Busan International Film Festival to press acclaim and great audience enthusiasm. OVER YOUR DEAD BODY is a must-have for movie collectors, horror enthusiasts and loyal fans of Takashi Miike to complete their movie library. The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements have yet to be revealed. You can find the latest specs for 'Over Your Dead Body' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 5. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Nov 3, 2015 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
ViewSonic Readies LightStream 7 Full HD 1080p Projectors[teaser]Two new projectors have been revealed. [/teaser] ViewSonic has detailed the latest additions to its projector lineup. The new LightStream 7 series includes the PJD7830HDL and PJD7835HD. "The LightStream 7 1080p series of projectors is packed with smart and innovative technologies that bring HD content to life for home entertainment viewing or enabling multimedia-rich presentations in the boardroom, conference room or classroom," said Aaron Campbell, product marketing manager at ViewSonic Americas. "The combination of Full HD resolution, sleek design, high brightness levels and wireless streaming capabilities make this series the go-to projector solution for a wide range of multimedia applications." Both projectors feature Full HD 1080p resolution with SuperColor technology for superior color accuracy. Likewise, both models offer HDMI connectivity, 3D support, and an integrated speaker with SonicExpert enhanced sound technology. In addition, the devices provide advanced setup options like vertical/horizontal keystone, corner adjustment, and 1.36 optical zoom. Finally, the PJD7830HDL features a brightness level of 3200 lumens and the PJD7835HD features a brightness level of 3500 lumens. ViewSonic's PJD7830HDL ($1,099) and PJD7835HD ($1,199) are now available. Source: ViewSonicPosted Mon Nov 2, 2015 at 02:00 PM PST by: -
Tobe Hooper's 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2: Collector's Edition' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The horror sequel will be getting a collector's edition Blu-ray in 2016. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Scream Factory will be releasing 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2: Collector's Edition' on Blu-ray sometime next year. Young DJ Vantia Block is hosting a music show when two renegade hoodlums phone her and start making trouble. The situation changes rapidly as the kids drive to a passageway and get sawed to pieces by Leatherface while the shocked DJ listens the kids' screams. Local sheriff approaches Block and convinces her to play the recording made from the phone call on radio, hoping that the killers would show up. No other details have been released at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2: Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under PENDING.Posted Mon Nov 2, 2015 at 01:00 PM PST by: -
Sony Releases 'The Final Girls' Blu-ray[teaser]The horror comedy starring Malin Akerman, Nina Dobrev, and Alia Shawkat is now available for pre-order. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony is preparing 'The Final Girls' for Blu-ray on November 3. When Max (Taissa Farmiga) and her friends reluctantly attend an anniversary screening of “Camp Bloodbath”, the infamous ‘80s horror film that starred Max’s late mother (Malin Akerman), they are mysteriously sucked into the silver screen. They soon realize they are trapped inside the cult classic movie and must team up with the fictional and ill-fated camp counselors, including Max’s mom as the scream queen, to battle the film’s machete-wielding killer. With the body count rising in scene after iconic scene, who will be the final girls left standing and live to escape this film? THE FINAL GIRLS is a genre-blending horror comedy also starring Adam DeVine, Thomas Middleditch, Alia Shawkat with Alexander Ludwig and Nina Dobrev. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements will include: Alternate Endings with Optional Director's Commentary; Deleted and Extended Scenes with Optional Director's Commentary; Cast & Crew Commentary; Writers' Commentary; Previsualization: Bringing Scenes to Life; Progression of Visual Effects; and Director's Production Notes. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $30.99. You can find the latest specs for 'The Final Girls' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under November 3. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Nov 2, 2015 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
'Open Season: Scared Silly' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The animated comedy will arrive on Blu-ray in March. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony will be releasing 'Open Season: Scared Silly' on Blu-ray on March 8. Elliot, Boog and all your favorite woodland creatures are back in a brand new, comedy adventure, Open Season: Scared Silly. When a case of mistaken identity leads both humans and animals to believe there is a monstrous werewolf on the prowl in Timberline National Forest, former hunter Shaw seizes on the opportunity to re-open open season. With Shaw on the loose and all the animals at risk, it's now up to Boog, Elliot, and Mr. Weenie to face their fears, track down the elusive werewolf, and get open season closed permanently. Specs haven't been revealed yet, but supplements will include: Stepping into the Spotlight - Mr. Weenie's Process; Blooper and outtakes; Scaredy Pants: The Fears of Open Season: Scared Silly; Open Season Super Speedy Re-Cap; Feature Commentary with Director David Feiss; and Director profile – David Feiss. You can find the latest specs for 'Open Season: Scared Silly' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under March 8.Posted Mon Nov 2, 2015 at 10:00 AM PST by: -
Amazon Launches Black Friday Deals Store & Electronics Holiday Gift Guide[teaser]The online retailer is already starting its annual Black Friday deals! [/teaser] Amazon has begun its countdown to Black Friday by launching its Black Friday Deals Store & Electronics Holiday Gift Guide. Special deals are starting now and will run through December 22. "Shoppers come to Amazon to discover the best deals on the best gifts and this year, we're pulling out all of the stops," said Steve Shure, Vice President, Amazon Consumer Marketing. "We're giving Prime members early access to more than 30,000 Lightning Deals and for all customers, tens of thousands of great deals in the Black Friday Deals store. With incredible deals, fast delivery options, curated lists like our Electronics Holiday Gift Guide, gift recommendations, customer reviews and more, we're making it easier than ever for customers to save time and money on their holiday shopping." The Black Friday Deals Store will offer tens of thousands of deals on top items including electronics. In addition, Prime members will receive first dibs on more than 30,000 deals through Prime Early Access. Upcoming gear deals will include: 30% off Sony XBR55X900C 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD TV with a Blu-ray Player 47% off Jaybird X Sport Bluetooth Headphones Optima HD37 Full 3D 1080p 2600 Lumens DLP Home Cinema Projector for less than $800 Meanwhile, Amazon has also launched an Electronics Holiday Gift Guide and Gift Finder Tool with more than 600 curated recommendations organized by category and gift recipient. Those looking to get a head start on their holiday shopping can now browse early Black Friday deals on Amazon's Black Friday Deals Store. Source: AmazonPosted Mon Nov 2, 2015 at 08:15 AM PST by: -
'Continuum: Season Four' Blu-ray Bound in January[teaser]The final season of the Syfy series is planned for a January Blu-ray release. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is working on 'Continuum: Season Four' to be released on Blu-ray on January 19. In season four of Continuum, Kiera Cameron (Rachel Nichols, Criminal Minds, Alias) and the mysterious time traveler, Brad Tonkin (Ryan Robbins, Falling Skies, The Killing) must battle the Future Soldiers who arrived in a flash of light in the last moments of season three. Meanwhile, Kiera's alliance with the remaining members of Liber8 challenges her relationship with both Carlos (Victor Webster, Castle, Melrose Place) and Alec Sadler (Erik Knudsen, Jericho, Scream 4). Kiera must also face off against Kellog (Stephen Lobo, Arctic Air, Smallville), who is using every option available to him to become the ruler of a dark future built in his image. Ultimately Kiera is put to the test when the dream of potentially reuniting with her family is reignited. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements include: "Lost Hours" commentary with Creator Simon Barry and Director/Executive Producer Pat Williams; Continuum: Behind the Scenes; and "Final Hour" Commentary with Creator Simon Barry and Director/Executive Producer Pat Williams. You can find the latest specs for 'Continuum: Season Four' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 19. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Nov 2, 2015 at 08:00 AM PST by: -
Ice Cube Keeps Asking Blu-ray 'Are We There Yet?'[teaser]Brian Levant's 2005 comedy is headed for Blu-ray in January. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Mill Creek says that they will be releasing 'Are We TAre We There Yet?here Yet?' on Blu-ray on January 12. When Nick (Ice Cube, Barbershop) falls for single mother Suzanne (Nia Long, Big Momma's House), he initially doesn't have to worry about what her kids think of him because she just wants to "be friends." Undeterred by this statement - or his buddies, who dog him for loitering in the stalking-friend zone - Nick keeps hanging around. So when Suzanne finds herself in a jam and needs someone to escort her kids to meet her in Vancouver for New Year's Eve, Nick gladly opens the door of opportunity. It could be the best way to win her heart... or the biggest mistake of his life. With more than one destination on his mind, Nick embarks on a road trip he'll never forget - and neither will you! No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Are We There Yet?' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under January 12.Posted Mon Nov 2, 2015 at 06:00 AM PST by: -
Amazon Updates Prime Music Android App with SD Card Music Storage & New Features[teaser]Android devices now have new Prime Music features. [/teaser] Amazon has announced the release of a new version of its Prime Music Android app. The service offers a comprehensive library of streaming music tracks. The updated Android app now gives Prime Music users the ability to store streaming music tracks directly on their mobile device's SD card for offline playback. In addition, the software upgrade also features browsing and playback support from Android Wear products. Likewise, the app includes some interface improvements along with tabs for "New" and "Popular" music. Prime Music allows users to stream a growing collection of ad-free music tracks to their Kindle Fire HD/HDX, PCs, Macs, web browsers, and iOS and Android devices -- including songs from popular artists like Daft Punk, Bruno Mars, Blake Shelton, The Lumineers, Bruce Springsteen and Madonna. The service also offers pre-programmed playlists and personalized recommendations. The new Prime Music app is heading to Android devices now. A Prime membership currently costs $99 per year, and also includes free 2-day shipping, Prime Instant Video, and the Kindle Owners' Lending Library. Sources: Engadget, Tech CrunchPosted Fri Oct 30, 2015 at 02:45 PM PDT by: -
High-Def Digest's Essential Picks: October 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 a post-apocalyptic thrill ride, a speedy action flick, and an endearing fairy tale. 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, and September 2015. [teaser]For October, we're covering the end of a groundbreaking TV series, a 90s animated classic, and an engrossing horror show. [/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 October, here's what we suggest you pick up, starting with the most essential... 'Mad Men: The Final Season, Part 2' - Who is Don Draper? Throughout its seven season run, that's been one of the central questions resting at the heart of Matthew Weiner's 'Mad Men.' An impeccably dressed, impossibly charming, brilliantly creative, and devastatingly handsome protagonist, he's one of TV's most alluring characters. And yet, he's also a lie. A superficial mask hiding much deeper flaws. A manufactured idea of success. An advertisement for a man. A promise a poor, unhappy little boy made to himself. But that little boy still lingers, trapped somewhere under all those perfectly tailored suits, beneath the haze of cigarette smoke and the alcohol drenched breath and the lipstick stained collars, struggling to find lasting happiness in a world convinced that all we ever really need is more. A groundbreaking drama steeped in 1960s culture and effortless style, the series tackles the ad business with entertaining personality and existential ambiguity, crafting a masterful examination of manmade artifice -- both material and emotional. Wrapping up most plot threads with a surprisingly satisfying conclusion, the show's final season sees the characters deal with dramatic professional and personal transitions. Most of these arcs climax with fitting ends for the beloved ensemble, including hopeful outlooks for Peggy, Pete, Joan, and Roger. The road getting us there wasn't always flawless (Betty's storyline started out so strong but really lost its way over the years), but these final seven episodes really do a great job of culminating what Weiner and company have been building over the series' entire run, adding in a few more insights about evolving social trends, perspectives, biases, and struggles while never losing sight of the characterizations and relationships that made the show so addictive to begin with. So, who is Don Draper? In trademark 'Mad Men' fashion, the show never really definitively answers that question, choosing instead to leave audiences with the lingering taste of ambiguity… and Coca Cola. But that enlightening final shot and final advertisement both speak volumes, heavily implying the ultimate role and purpose that Draper chooses for himself -- whether it leads to fulfillment or not. Offering a fitting end to one of contemporary television's most influential and consistently absorbing dramas, this Blu-ray is a clear must own set -- and for customers looking to purchase the entire show, Lionsgate has also released a Complete Series Collection with exclusive supplements… though sadly a can of Coke is not included. Buy the Blu-ray Buy the Blu-ray 'Aladdin: Diamond Edition' - Everyone has a favorite Disney film from their childhood. For some, it might be 'The Little Mermaid' or 'The Lion King.' For others, it might be 'Beauty and the Beast' or 'Cinderella.' But for me… it's 'Aladdin.' First released in theaters when I was five years old, this tale of "street rats," princesses, and improvising genies never fails to make me smile. Beautifully animated and bursting with character, the flick remains one of the studio's most enjoyable and exciting efforts, taking audiences on a memorable magic carpet ride. Action, adventure, musical numbers, and the soothing vocal talents of Gilbert Gottfried… what more could a film fan want? Well, how about Robin Williams playing an all-powerful genie who really likes to riff? Like I said, there's a reason why this is one of my childhood favorites. From the moment the opening "Arabian Nights" sequence hits the screen, the movie takes viewers into a genuine Cave of Wonders full of charming characters and catchy songs. Hell, even Aladdin's carpet is bursting with more personality than the sidekicks found in other inferior animated flicks. And speaking of animation, the work done here is simply gorgeous, with fluid movements and stunning detail -- including some cool CG flourishes that blend surprisingly well. And in addition to all of the high-flying fun, there's even some thoughtful themes dealing with true worth and love beyond material riches… and there's also a monkey in a fez! There really isn't anything better than a healthy dose of childhood nostalgia presented in glorious HD. And much more than just a fond memory from my youth, 'Aladdin' manages to hold up remarkably well. Led by some great animation and an iconic performance from Robin Williams, the movie continues to delight, and this disc will now allow a new generation of kids to enjoy the adventure. With a stellar technical presentation and great supplements, this release really is worthy of its "Diamond Edition" status. In other words, this Blu-ray is a genuine wish come true! Buy the Blu-ray 'Penny Dreadful: The Complete Second Season' - Yes, I know that October includes the release of two of the year's biggest blockbusters, but 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' and 'Jurassic World' have already received plenty of attention -- and though entertaining, both were a bit disappointing in their own ways. With that in mind, I'm going to use this last slot to highlight one of the month's most overlooked (and appropriately spooky) titles. Merging characters and mythology from various 19th century works of horror and genre fiction, 'Penny Dreadful' tells an absorbing tale of demons, monsters, and the human soul -- creating a gothic drama that probes deep into the darkest corners of the imagination, where dream and nightmare walk hand in hand. While season one of 'Penny Dreadful' was quite effective in its own right, that first batch of episodes was subject to some notable flaws that kept the series from cementing its place among TV's top shows -- particularly when it comes to pacing. With season two, however, showrunner John Logan demonstrates a much better handle on serialized storytelling, offering a comparatively accelerated rhythm that never sacrifices the show's trademark sense of methodical dread. To this end, the season's overall "Nightcomers" arc proves to be far more satisfying and richly textured than the previous year's vampire plotline, leading to an engaging primary antagonist who knows exactly how to make life hell (quite literally) for our eclectic group of heroes. And what a complicated, flawed, and captivating group of heroes they reveal themselves to be. Iconic figures like Dr. Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway) and his "monster" (Rory Kinnear) are used to great effect, layering the story with a lyrical sense of somber romanticism and brooding philosophy. Likewise, Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton, and Reeve Carney continue to do great work as The Wolfman, Sir Malcolm Murray, and Dorian Gray respectively. But much like in season one, what truly makes 'Penny Dreadful' so special is the singular presence of Eva Green as the demonically possessed Vanessa Ives. I don't want to get too hyperbolic here, but Green really does turn in a fearless and hypnotically captivating performance (especially in the riveting flashback episode). Able to subtly transition from vulnerable to dangerous with deceptive ease, the actress creates a character constantly wrestling with the monster inside. And though her role was a bit thankless last year, co-star Billie Piper now joins Green to become one of the series' most enthralling aspects, turning the reanimated Lily into the season's most terrifying development. Creepy and visually stunning, the show has now surpassed other small screen genre efforts like 'American Horror Story' and 'The Walking Dead' to become the best horror series on TV, easily making this set one of October's must own releases -- even though it doesn't have any dinosaurs. Buy the Blu-ray So, there you have it. While there were many titles worth picking up this October, 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 October's must own titles?Posted Fri Oct 30, 2015 at 11:30 AM PDT by:
