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'Zathura: 10th Anniversary Edition' Bound for Blu-ray[teaser]The family space adventure film will once again blast off on Blu-ray this September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Sony has revealed 'Zathura: A Space Adventure: 10th Anniversary Edition' will hit Blu-ray on September 22. ZATHURA: 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION stars Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games franchise), Kristen Stewart (Twilight franchise), Jonah Bobo (Crazy, Stupid, Love.), and Dax Sheppard (Parenthood) in the story of two young brothers who are drawn into an intergalactic adventure when their house is hurled through the depths of space by the magical board game they are playing. The all-new bonus features include an animated storybook version of the book narrated by author Chris Van Allsburg and the original theatrical trailer. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $19.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Zathura: A Space Adventure: 10th Anniversary Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 22. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jul 20, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
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HDD's DTS:X & Dolby Atmos Gear Buying GuideWith the recent release of 'Ex Machina' on Blu-ray, the home theater industry now has its very first DTS:X enabled disc on the market, helping to usher in the era of next-gen audio. Together with Dolby Atmos, the format promises to bring a new level of immersion and scalability to home theaters through object-based mixing and the addition of overhead speakers. We've already covered the ins and outs of both technologies in detail in our complete Dolby Atmos Home Theater Guide and DTS:X Home Theater Guide, so please refer to those previous articles for more information about what makes these formats so special and exciting. But now that the basics have been addressed and content for each tech is officially on sale, we thought it would be a good idea to give you guys a full rundown on all of the currently available immersive audio products. [teaser]From A/V receivers to specially designed speakers and home theater systems, these are all of the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X gear items that have been announced so far. [/teaser] Note: All prices reflect current Amazon discounts. DTS:X & Dolby Atmos Receivers In order to process these new object-based audio formats, customers are going to need an A/V receiver that can decode each technology. Several models are now available that feature integrated Dolby Atmos support. Likewise, though there are no units that currently offer DTS:X support right out-of-the-box, many recently released and upcoming receivers are also DTS:X ready. This means that the devices can be upgraded to support DTS:X through a firmware update scheduled for later this year. Below are all of the A/V models currently announced that are set to offer dual support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. In addition, we've also detailed how many speaker channels each model supports and we've pointed out which models have confirmed HDCP compliancy for 4K Ultra HD copyrighted playback. 7.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 5.1.2 immersive audio setups. 9.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 5.1.4 and 7.1.2 immersive audio setups. 11.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 7.1.4 immersive audio setups. Denon AVR-S710W - ($479) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AVR-S910W - ($579) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AVR-X1200W - ($599) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AVR-X2200W - ($799) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AVR-X3200W - ($999) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AVR-X4200W - ($1,499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 9.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AVR-X7200WA - ($2,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Integra DTR-30.7 - ($1,100) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DTR-40.7 - ($1,400) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Marantz NR1606 - ($699) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant SR5010 - ($899) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant AV8802 - ($3,999) 11.2 Channel A/V Pre-Amp/Processor, 4K HDCP 2.2 via future upgrade (requires hardware modification) Onkyo TX-NR646 - ($599) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR747 - ($899) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-RZ800 - ($1,199) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-RZ900 ($1,499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Steinway Lyngdorf P200 - Up to 16 Channel Surround Sound Processor, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Theta Digital Casablanca IVa - ($17,995) 12 Channel A/V Pre-Amp Trinnov Audio Altitude32 - Up to 32 Channel Pre-Amp Yamaha RX-A1050 - ($1,200) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant RX-A2050 - ($1,600) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant RX-A3050 - ($2,200) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Dolby Atmos Receivers Since Atmos has about a ten month head start on DTS:X in the home theater, several receiver models have been released that only offer support for Dolby's format. Though there's a very slim chance that some of these models might end up being upgradeable to include DTS:X, below is the current crop of A/V receivers that have been announced to only support Dolby Atmos. In addition, we've also detailed how many speaker channels each model supports and we've pointed out which models have confirmed HDCP compliancy for 4K Ultra HD copyrighted playback. 7.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 5.1.2 immersive audio setups. 9.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 5.1.4 and 7.1.2 immersive audio setups. 11.1 Channel Receivers should support up to 7.1.4 immersive audio setups. Denon X4100W - ($1,499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additonal Amp for 9.2 Channels X5200W - ($1,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels Integra DTR-20.7 - ($800) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DTR-30.6 - ($1,000) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DTR-40.6 - ($1,300) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DTR-50.6 -( $1,700) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DTR-60.6 - ($2,300) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DTR-70.6 - ($2,800) 11.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant DHC-80.6 - ($3,200) 11.2 Channel Pre-Amp/Processor, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Marantz SR7009 - ($1,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels AV7702 - ($1,999) 11.2 Channel Preamp/Processor Onkyo TX-SR444 - ($399) 7.1 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR545 - ($499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR636 - ($499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR737 - ($499) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR838 - ($699) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR1030 - ($1,699) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Additional Amp for 11.2 Channels, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant TX-NR3030 ($2,299) 11.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant PR-SC5530 - ($2,499) 11.2 Channel A/V Controller, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Pioneer VSX-1130 - ($600) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Elite VSX-90 - ($700) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Elite SC-91 - ($997) 7.2 Channel A/V Receiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant Elite SC-85 - ($1,599) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver Elite SC-87 - ($1,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver Elite SC-89 - ($2,999) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver Yamaha RX-A850 - ($900) 7.2 Channel A/VReceiver, 4K HDCP 2.2 Compliant RX-A2040BL - ( $1,600) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver RX-A3040BL - ($2,000) 9.2 Channel A/V Receiver, Supports Addiotnal Amp for 11.2 Channels Dolby Atmos Speakers & Home Theater Systems In order to add overhead sound for DTS:X and Dolby Atmos, users can mount traditional speakers on their ceiling. While this is the most effective method, it won't be suitable for everyone's home and setup. To combat this issue, Dolby has worked with manufacturers to release special Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers and module that feature up-firing drivers mounted on top in order to reflect sound off of the ceiling. This simulates the effect of audio coming from above. For their part, DTS has no plans to develop specific DTS:X upward firing speakers at this time, but the company has said that Atmos speakers should be compatible with DTS:X as well. With that in mind, here's a rundown of all of the currently announced Atmos-enabled speakers, modules, and complete home-theater-in-a-box systems. Atlantic Technology 44-DA Atmos Module - ($499 for a pair) Can be used both as a stand-alone elevation speaker or as an expansion to existing speakers, adding overhead sound to a user's home theater. Definitive Technology A60 Atmos Module - ($499) Sits atop the Definitive Technology BP-8060ST, adding overhead sound to a user's home theater. Elac A4 Dolby Atmos Add-On Speaker - ($230 per pair) Sits on top of your bookshelf or floorstanding speakers to add overhead sound. KEF R50 Atmos Module - ($1,200) Can be placed on top of the company's existing freestanding or wall-mounted satellite speakers, adding overhead sound to a user's home theater. Full Review Here. Klipsch RP-280F Floorstanding Speakers - ($2,400 per pair) Feature an additional 1-inch tweeter and 6.5-inch woofer mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects. RP-140SA Elevation Channel Toppers - ($499 per pair) Sits on top of your bookshelf or floorstanding speakers to add overhead sound. RP-450CA center channel - ($850) Designed to complement Klipsch Dolby Atmos RP-280F Floorstanding Speakers. Onkyo SKH-410 Atmos Module - ($149 for a pair) Sits on top of your floorstanding front speakers or on an entertainment unit, adding overhead sound to a user's home theater. HT-S9700THX - ($1,199) 5.1.2-Channel Dolby Atmos Ready Network A/V Receiver/Speaker Package with included front height speakers. HT-S5800 - ($699) 5.1.2-Channel Dolby Atmos Ready Network A/V Receiver/Speaker Package with Atmos-enabled speakers. SKS-HT594 - ($599) 5.1.2 Atmos-enabled speakers without an A/V receiver. Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR Bookshelf Speakers - ($747 for a pair) Features an additional 4-inch driver mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects. Elite SP-EFS73 Floorstanding Speakers - ($697 each) Features an additional 4-inch driver mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects. Triad InRoom Bronze LR-H - ($1,000 per pair) Features four additional 2-inch drivers mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects. InRoom Silver LR-H - ($1,500 per pair) Features four additional 3-inch drivers mounted on top to simulate overhead sound effects. Conclusion So, there you have it. Those are all of the DTS:X and Dolby Atmos gear products detailed so far. In addition to the models above, companies like Pioneer and Outlaw Audio have also announced support for DTS:X but have not revealed specific components yet. Likewise, an exact release date for the DTS:X firmware update has not been revealed, but the upgrade is expected to arrive before the end of the year. For now, what do you think about the current crop of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X gear? Are you preparing for a 5.1.4, 7.1.2, or 7.1.4 speaker upgrade? Will you be investing in any of these products? Let us know your thoughts in the forum!Posted Mon Jul 20, 2015 at 07:45 AM PDT by: -
Wes Craven's 'Shocker: Collector's Edition' Blu-ray Supplements Detailed[teaser]The bonus features for the horror flick getting the Collector's Edition treatment on Blu-ray in September have now been detailed. Pre-orders are now live. [/teaser] As previously reported, Scream Factory is preparing 'Shocker: Collector's Edition' for Blu-ray on September 8. Master of horror Wes Craven directs this exciting visual treat which introduces a diabolical mass murderer who harnesses electricity for unimaginable killing powers. About to be electrocuted for a catalog of heinous crimes, the unrepentant Horace Pinker transforms into a terrifying energy source. Only young athlete Jonathan Parker, with an uncanny connection to Pinker through bizarre dreams, can fight the powerful demon. The two dive in and out of television programs, chasing each other from channel to channel through stunning scenes of disaster, game shows and old reruns. A blend of dazzling special effects, jolting humor and an electrifying soundtrack, Shocker is an ironic tale of terror and madness in the video age. Specs have not been detailed yet, but supplements include: NEW Audio Commentary with director of photography Jacques Haitkin, co-producer Robert Engelman, and composer William Goldstein; NEW! Cable Guy – An all-new interview with actor Mitch Pileggi; NEW! Alison's Adventures – An interview with actress Cami Cooper; NEW! It's Alive – An interview with executive producer Shep Gordon; NEW! No More Mr. Nice Guy – The Music of "Shocker", featuring interviews with music supervisor Desmond Child and soundtrack artists Bruce Kulik (KISS), Jason McMaster (DANGEROUS TOYS), Kane Roberts (ALICE COOPER) , and Dave Ellefson (MEGADETH); Audio Commentary with writer/director Wes Craven; 2 Vintage Making of SHOCKER featurettes including an interview with Wes Craven; Theatrical Trailer, TV Spots, and Radio Spots; and Storyboard and Still Galleries. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $29.93. You can find the latest specs for 'Shocker: Collector's Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 8. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jul 20, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
HDD Deal of the Week: Ken Burns' 'The Roosevelts: An Intimate History' is $49.49 at Amazon[teaser]Own the acclaimed documentary miniseries for over 60 percent off this week at Amazon. [/teaser] Amazon's deal this week is 'The Roosevelts: An Intimate History' on Blu-ray for $49.49 (62% off suggested list price). "The Roosevelts: An Intimate History follows the Roosevelts for more than a century, from Theodore's birth in 1858 to Eleanor's death in 1962. Over the course of those years, Theodore would become the 26th President of the United States and his beloved niece, Eleanor, would marry his fifth cousin, Franklin, who became the 32nd President of the United States. Together, these three individuals not only redefined the relationship Americans had with their government and with each other, but also redefined the role of the United States within the wider world." This offer for 'The Roosevelts: An Intimate History' is available from now through July 26. Order the Blu-rayPosted Sun Jul 19, 2015 at 05:52 AM PDT by: -
Sonos Announces Play:1 Tone Limited Edition Speaker for $250[teaser]The limited edition model will be available later this month. [/teaser] Sonos has revealed its latest Play:1 variant. The Play:1 Tone will go on sale exclusively through Sonos.com on July 21. "We want our products to reframe how people think about technology in the home. Part of how we do that is by focusing on simple things with innate power. This was our focus on PLAY:1 Tone. It's a meditation on essentials." The Play:1 Tone features a special minimalist tone-on-tone design in black or white with a soft matte finish. Like all Play:1 models, the speaker offers minimal distortion and a wide soundfield through a custom designed 3.5-inch mid-woofer for deep lows and a tweeter for clean highs. The Play:1 also supports several streaming services, including Spotify, Rdio, Pandora and Hype Machine, as well as radio stations and digital libraries on PCs, Android, and Apple devices. Users can also pair two Play:1 speakers together for stereo audio, or even add a Sonos Sub ($699) and Playbar ($699) for surround sound capabilities. The Sonos Play:1 Tone will be limited to about 5,000 units in each color globally. Meanwhile, the standard Sonos Play:1 is currently on sale for $199. Source: SonosPosted Fri Jul 17, 2015 at 07:30 PM PDT by: -
Stanley Kubrick's 'Spartacus' Restored Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The classic epic will be available on Blu-ray sporting a new transfer minted from the recent 4K restoration this fall. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal is preparing to unleash Spartacus: Restored Edition' on Blu-ray on October 6. Spartacus, the genre-defining epic from director Stanley Kubrick, is the legendary tale of a bold gladiator (Kirk Douglas) who led a triumphant Roman slave revolt. Newly restored from large format 35MM original film elements, the action-packed spectacle won four Academy Awards including Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction. Featuring a cast of screen legends such as Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, Jean Simmons, John Gavin and Tony Curtis, this uncut and fully restored masterpiece is an inspirational true account of man's eternal struggle for freedom. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include: I Am Spartacus: A Conversation with Kirk Douglas, Restoring Spartacus, Archival Interviews, Behind-The-Scenes Footage, Vintage Newsreels, Image Gallery, and Theatrical Trailer. You can find the latest specs for 'Spartacus: Restored Edition' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 6. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Jul 17, 2015 at 01:00 PM PDT by: -
'Penny Dreadful: The Complete Second Season' Announced for Blu-ray[teaser]The second season of Showtime's horror fantasy series is headed for Blu-ray this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Paramount has revealed 'Penny Dreadful: The Complete Second Season' will arrive on Blu-ray on October 6. Penny Dreadful returns with ten powerful episodes and finds Vanessa Ives (Eva Green) and Ethan Chandler (Josh Hartnett) forming a deeper bond as the group, including Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton), Dr. Frankenstein (Harry Treadaway), and Sembene (Danny Sapani), unite to banish the evil forces that threaten to destroy them. Meanwhile, Dorian Gray (Reeve Carney), the Creature (Rory Kinnear) and Brona (Billie Piper) are all waging battles of their own. The 3-disc set will feature 1080p video, a lossless 5.1 soundtrack, and supplements include: Video Production Blog; Reeve Carney Round Table; History of the Occult; Character Profile; Evelyn Poole's Mansion; and Interview/Behind the Scenes. You can find the latest specs for 'Penny Dreadful: The Complete Second Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under October 6.Posted Fri Jul 17, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT by: -
Blu-ray Will 'Get Mean' This Fall[teaser]The 1975 spaghetti western will ride to Blu-ray this October. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Blue Underground says 'Get Mean' will hit Blu-ray on October 27. When an American cowboy stumbles upon a gypsy family in a wind-swept ghost town, they offer him a fortune to escort a princess back to her home in Spain. But this silent Stranger finds himself in over his head (and strung up by his feet) when he gets caught in the middle of an epic battle involving Vikings, the Moors, brutal barbarians, evil spirits, a raging bull, and a diabolical Shakespeare-quoting hunchback. Tired of their never-ending attempts to kill him, the cowboy arms himself to the teeth with guns, dynamite and a special surprise. Now it's the Stranger's turn to GET MEAN! Tony Anthony ( Comin' At Ya!), Lloyd Battista ( Blindman), Raf Baldassarre ( The Great Silence), Diana Lorys ( The Awful Dr. Orlof), and Mirta Miller ( Eyeball) star in this explosive 'Spaghetti Western' directed by Ferdinando Baldi ( Texas, Adios). Now Blue Underground is proud to present Get Mean in this 2-Disc Limited Edition, featuring a brand-new High Definition transfer along with exclusive Extras for the first time ever in North America! The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, an English Dub DTS-HD Mono, and supplements include: Audio Commentary with Producer/Star Tony Anthony, Co-Writer/Star Lloyd Battista, and Executive Producer Ronald J. Schneider; The Story Of The Stranger - Interview with Producer/Star Tony Anthony; Looking For Richard - Interview with Co-Writer/Star Lloyd Battista; Beating A Dead Horse - Interview with Executive Producer Ronald J. Schneider; Tony & I - Interview with Director Ferdinando Baldi; Deleted Scenes; Trailers & Radio Spots; Poster & Still Gallery; and a collectable booklet featuring new writing by Spaghetti Western expert Howard Hughes. You can find the latest specs for 'Get Mean' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under October 27.Posted Fri Jul 17, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
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Denon Readies More Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Receivers, Prices Start at $999[teaser]New models with object-based audio support have been announced. [/teaser] Denon has revealed that latest additions to its A/V receiver lineup. The AVR-X3200W ($999), AVR-X4200W ($1,499), and AVR-X7200WA (2,999) all feature next-gen audio technology. The AVR-X3200W and AVR-X4200W are both 7.2 channel receivers, while the AVR-X7200WA is a 9.2 channel receiver. All three models offer 4K HDR video support, HDCP compliancy, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Likewise, all of the receivers are Dolby Atmos-enabled and DTS:X ready (via a future firmware upgrade). In addition, the AVR-X4200W and AVR-X7200WA can also be upgraded to include Auro-3D support. Finally, a separate amp can be added to the AVR-X4200W and AVR-X7200WA as well, allowing for 9.2 and 11.2 channel support respectively. Denon's new receiver lineup is expected to start shipping in August. Source: Denon via TWICEPosted Fri Jul 17, 2015 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
'In the Name of My Daughter' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]The French drama will arrive on Blu-ray in September, and you can pre-order the movie here. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Cohen Film Collection is preparing 'In the Name of My Daughter' for Blu-ray on September 22. Acclaimed director André Téchiné brings a gripping real-life thriller to the screen. 1976. When her marriage falls apart, Agnès Le Roux (Adèle Haenel) moves back to the South of France from Africa to live with her mother, Renée (Catherine Deneuve), owner of the Palais de La Mediterranée casino in Nice. There, Agnès falls in love with Maurice Agnelet (Guillaume Canet), a lawyer and Renee s business advisor, who is ten years her senior. Maurice continues to have relationships with other women. Agnes is madly in love with him. As a shareholder in the Palais de la Mediterannée casino, Agnes decides to sell what should have been her inheritance to go it alone. A fixed card game threatens the casino s financial stability. Someone is trying to intimidate her mother. Behind the scenes hangs the shadow of the mafia and Fratoni, the owner of a rival casino, who wants to take over the Palais de la Mediterannée. Agnelet, who has fallen from grace with Renée, introduces Agnes to Fratoni. Fratoni offers her 3 million francs to vote against her mother in the shareholder s meeting. Agnès accepts the offer. Renee loses control of the casino. Agnès finds it hard to cope with her betrayal. Maurice also distances himself from her. In November 1977, after a failed suicide attempt, Agnes disappears. Her body is never found. Thirty years on, Maurice Agnelet remains the prime suspect in a murder case with no body and no proof of his guilt. Convinced of his involvement, Renée is prepared to fight to the bitter end to see him put behind bars... Supplements have not been detailed yet, but the Blu-ray will feature 1080p video and a French DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. Suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $34.98. You can find the latest specs for 'In the Name of My Daughter' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under September 22. Order the Blu-rayPosted Fri Jul 17, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by:
