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Hulu Set to Offer Showtime Streaming for $9 Per Month[teaser]Showtime's streaming service will be available through Hulu. [/teaser] Hulu and Showtime have announced a partnership that will allow Hulu subscribers to add Showtime streaming to their service. The Showtime add-on will be available in July. Showtime streaming will allow users to subscribe to Showtime directly through Hulu without the need for a cable or satellite contract, giving cord-cutting customers access to live content, on-demand programming, and all of the network's popular movies and shows, including 'Homeland,' 'Masters of Sex,' 'Shameless,' and 'Penny Dreadful.' Showtime on Hulu will work through the Hulu app on iOS gadgets, Android devices, Apple TV, Roku players, game consoles, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, computers, and select smart TVs. A current Hulu subscription costs $8 per month. The Showtime add-on will cost an extra $9 per month. Meanwhile, Showtime streaming will also launch directly through Apple products, Roku players, and PlayStation Vue for $11 per month. Sources: Hulu Blog, HuluPosted Tue Jun 23, 2015 at 12:15 PM PDT by: -
Top Five Dolby Atmos Blu-ray Demos: 'Jupiter Ascending'If there's one thing us home theatre geeks love to do, it's grab friends and family, sit them down in the Sweet Spot, and dazzle their eyes and ears with home cinema audio-visual glory. But which demo to play? [teaser]Keeping track of titles and chapters and time codes can be a hassle so, in what we hope will be a continuing HDD series highlighting amazeballs Blu-ray demos, we figured we'd dive once again into the most recent reference-quality Dolby Atmos Blu-ray. [/teaser] Written and directed by Lana and Andy Wachowski, 'Jupiter Ascending' is a grand Shakespearian space opera about young Earth woman, Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis), who finds herself thrust squarely into the middle of galactic kingdom's game of thrones. Along the way, Jupiter and her new friend, Caine Wise (Channing Tatum), must survive a sea of lies, double crosses, and technological wonders far beyond Jupiter's imagination. With numerous mind-bending action sequences, 'Jupiter Ascending' offers an excellent 3D presentation and numerous ways to show off your surround set-up (even if you don't have Dolby Atmos just yet)... But here's our Top Five favorites from the movie (mild SPOILERS to follow). BEST OVERHEAD IMMERSION "Jupiter's Chamber Presence"Chapter 6: 00:51:19 - 00:51:55 We'll get to the bombast in a moment, but let's begin with a quick and quiet scene for those looking to show off Dolby Atmos' height capabilities and how well this new technology creates a total sonic hemisphere. Jupiter awakes floating in a strange room as a digital voice informs Jupiter that she is Jupiter's "Chamber Presence" -- it's basically a futuristic version of the iPhone's "Siri". The melodic vocal intonations hang over and envelope the listener, a trick that really makes you feel like you're IN the room with Jupiter. Many surround sound systems can play loud, but they also need to replicate delicacy and nuance. BEST SURROUND ARTICULATION (TIE) "Alley Shootout" & "Our Ride's Here"Chapter 2: 00:10:50 - 00:11:51 & Chapter 3: 00:25:25 - 00:31:30 I choice these two sequences because they're sonically similar -- featuring a blistering array of laster blasts and immersive, aerial combat -- but vastly different lengths. Sometimes you only have time for a quick demo; sometimes you want to drop the mic for an extended time. The Alley Shootout hearkens back to the opening sequence in 'The Matrix' (when Trinity makes that spectacular leap from building to building). It's a bold sequence introducing Caine Wise while defining this cinematic universe, screaming, "the world looks like ours, but it's also one where aliens have laser weapons and anti-grav boots that allow you to, effectively, rollerblade through the air!" Boom. Characters fly through the air, wielding weapons and future tech, all tracking perfectly around the audience. Laser blasts, specifically impact and ricochet with a delightful accuracy. Our Ride's Here is the demo for people who have a little more time. This might be my favorite sequence in the whole film. A balls to the wall setpiece, it begins with a sense of wonder as Caine floats with Jupiter up to a waiting semi-transparent space ship -- it's gorgeous. When the space baddies arrive and destroy Caine's ride, the whole thing devolves into a cat n' mouse chase across Chicago...but with, you know, space ships. Here we get a repeat of highly articulate panning in the form of more laser blasts and explosions, but what makes this sequence an audio stunner is the vast range of sonic environments the audiences experiences... from open air to under water to on city streets to the interior of space ships. This sequence represents what audio geeks typically gravitate towards in demo -- cinematic chaos carefully orchestrated by master sound designers. BEST ATMOSPHERE "I Actually Have a Date"Chapter 13: 01:55:45 - 01:58:00 While much of the film is set in sterile sci-fi environments -- ships and cities and refineries -- this final "tag" scene in 'Jupiter Ascending' showcases the sound mixers' use of subtle effects to create a realistic environment (FWIW, the sequences at the farm house are also pretty good at doing this). Given that this is the last scene in the movie, this is likely to be the most SPOILERIFIC demo description, but then again, if you've watched enough movies, you can probably guess which characters survive all the way through. This demo begins in Jupiter's house, offering a wonderful transition moment where Jupiter's family, asking about her mysterious date, erupt in laughter which morphs into soft, swirling winds as Jupiter and Caine sit atop a Chicago skyscraper. Through their conversation, the environment the side, rear, and heigh surrounds are rich with wind, music, and other small details. And, finally, the sequence builds as our characters enjoy [their date activity], which climaxes with one last Dolby Atmos flourish... the sound panning hard from left to right and up and over our heads. It's a fun way to end a demo or the film. BEST NON-KABOOMING LFE "You Don't Treat Your Cousin Like Chicken!"Chapter 9: 01:19:35 - 01:20:25 Low Frequency Effects are designed to rumble and roar, to proverbially punch you in the gut while making your home theatre feel energized (or perhaps "pressurized"). The catch, of course, is that most mixes save LFE for explosions and gun shots and monstrous beasts, which makes total sense as theses effects are generally saved for bigger setpieces. But what I really love is when sound designers surprise us by tucking LFE into an effect that really creates character. In this demo, we begin during a comedic Jones family argument back on Earth when all of a sudden a strange light fills the room, rattling dishes, and monstrous alien lizard men drop in through the ceiling. They stomp and roar and threaten, but the highlight comes as they speak. With each uttered line, the ".1" channel offers up gorgeous grunt and depth without unneeded "booming". Again, we're filing this one more under nuance than bombast because our next demo is all about those things. BEST OVERALL CHAPTER "The Collapsing Eye of the Storm"Chapter 12: 01:43:26-01:52:59 SPOILERS for those who don't wish to know where the climax takes place and what type of setpiece it is... When 'Jupiter Ascending' reaches its climax, it takes everything that's worked well in the mix before -- aggressive panning, dynamic and nuanced sound effects, guttural LFE, and spherical immersion -- and adds a collapsing/exploding alien refinery that's set inside the red eye of that massive storm on Jupiter (the planet, not the main character). This sequence has everything from hand to hand combat to booming explosions and roaring spacecraft engines. In other words, its nine-plus minutes of controlled aural chaos, Dolby Atmos style. ~~~ What about you, dear Reader, what 'Jupiter Ascending', Dolby Atmos, 7.1, or 5.1 Blu-ray demos do you pop in to show off your home theatre? Let us know below, or in the forums. Dolby Atmos Titles Released 1. Transformers: Age of Extinction (Paramount Pictures)2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Paramount Pictures) 3. Step up All In (Lionsgate) 4. Expendables 3 (Lionsgate) 5. John Wick (Lionsgate) 6. On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter (Red Bull Media House)7. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (Lionsgate)8. Unbroken (Universal)9. Gravity (Warner Bros.)10. American Sniper (Warner Bros)11. Jupiter Ascending (Warner Bros) Dolby Atmos Titles Announced 12. The Gunman (Universal): Release date June 30, 201513. The Divergent Series: Insurgent (Lionsgate): Release date August 4, 201514. Age of Adeline (Lionsgate): Release date September 8, 2015Posted Tue Jun 23, 2015 at 09:32 AM PDT by: -
Blu-ray Will Have a 'Showdown in Little Tokyo' This Summer[teaser]The 1991 action flick staring Dolph Lundgren and Brandon Lee is planned for Blu-ray in July. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Archive will be releasing 'Showdown inShowdown in Little Tokyo Little Tokyo' on Blu-ray on July 21. Detective Chris Kenner was orphaned as a child as his father was in the service and was killed and lived in Japan. Now he is on the trail of ruthless Yakuza leader named Yoshido, who helped establish a small Japanese area in Los Angeles and is now running a drug ring disguised as a brewery. However, Kenner must team up with a Japanese-American detective named Johnny Murata, and he also must protect a witness named Minako who would testify against Yoshido. But what Kenner will soon discover that he will be in a lot more than what he bargained for. No other details have been revealed at this time. You can find the latest specs for 'Showdown in Little Tokyo' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it's indexed under July 21.Posted Tue Jun 23, 2015 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Blu-ray Invites You to a 'Psycho Beach Party' This Summer[teaser]Robert Lee King's horror comedy heads to Blu-ray this August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Strand Releasing is working on 'Psycho Beach Party' for Blu-ray on August 18. PSYCHO BEACH PARTY is a wickedly fun satire of Hollywood movie genres. Chicklet (Lauren Ambrose - CAN'T HARDLY WAIT, HBO's SIX FEET UNDER), a wannabe surf-girl with a split personality, becomes the primary suspect after a string of humorously gruesome murders terrifies the teen set. When the clues take her to the beach, the fun and suspense begin. At the beach, Chicklet crosses paths with burnt-out surf guru Kanaka (Thomas Gibson, CRIMINAL MINDS, DHARMA & GREG), dreamy surfboy Starcat (Nicholas Brendon, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER), and stylish homicide detective Monica Stark (Charles Busch, DIE MOMMIE DIE!). PSYCHO BEACH PARTY also stars Amy Adams (AMERICAN HUSTLE, BIG EYES), Matt Keeslar (SCREAM 3), Beth Broderick (SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH), Kimberly Davies (THE NEXT BEST THING) and Kathleen Robertson (BEVERLY HILLS, 90210). The Blu-ray will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements include: Commentary Track with Director Robert Lee King and Charles Busch; a Music Video, and Trailers. You can find the latest specs for 'Psycho Beach Party' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 18. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Jun 23, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'Brother's Keeper' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]The inspirational drama will arrive on Blu-ray in August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Alchemy is preparing 'Brother's Keeper' for Blu-ray on August 4. Identical twins Andy and Pete Goodwynn (Alex and Graham Miller) have always been there for each other. With high school graduation near, Pete plans to marry the love of his life and head off to seminary to become a preacher. Andy, a rebel at heart, has no plans and seemingly no future. But in a cruel twist of fate orchestrated by the town's most powerful family their lives are forever altered. Pete is framed for murder, leaving Andy struggling to find a way to save his brother. Can the brothers gain vengeance on those who have taken everything from them? While revenge may seem sweet, Brother's Keeper is a powerful reminder that only forgiveness can truly heal. Specs and supplements have yet to be revealed, but suggested list price for the Blu-ray is $24.99. You can find the latest specs for 'Brother's Keeper' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 4. Order the Blu-rayPosted Tue Jun 23, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by: -
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Yamaha Reveals New Receivers with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Support[teaser]New receiver models have been detailed. [/teaser]Yamaha has announced several additions to its Aventage line of A/V receivers. The collection features a total of six new models, including three that support Dobly Atmos and DTS:X."Our AVENTAGE AV receivers offer the last word in high-end entertainment, audiophile listening and superb video with wide connectivity to online music services, mobile devices and components throughout the home," said Bob Goedken, general manager, AV Division, Yamaha Corporation of America. "This new line offers intuitive and precise control which allows you to easily enhance your entertainment experiences in a way that really excites the senses." All six models offer 4K Ultra HD playback with HDCP 2.2 copyright protection, Bluetooth connectivity, and Yamaha's Compressed Music Enhancer. In addition, The Aventage receivers include high-res audio support for DSD (Direct Stream Digital; 2.6 MHz / 5.6 MHz), AIFF, WAV, FLAC and Apple Lossless audio. Finally, Spotify Connect, Pandora, and vTuner internet radio are integrated as well. Below prices reflect current Amazon discounts.RX-A550 5.1 Channel Receiver - $500, July RX-A750 7.2 Channel Receiver - $650, June RX-A850 7.2 Channel Receiver with Dolby Atmos - $900, July RX-A1050 7.2 Channel Receiver with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X - $1,200, July RX-A2050 9.2 Channel Receiver with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X - $1,600, July RX-A3050 9.2 Channel Receiver with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X - $2,000, August Source: YamahaPosted Mon Jun 22, 2015 at 05:15 PM PDT by: -
The Soska Sisters' 'Vendetta' Blu-ray Bound[teaser]Dean Cain hunts WWE's Big Show on Blu-ray this summer. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Lionsgate and WWE Studios are preparing 'Vendetta' for Blu-ray on August 18. When his wife is killed by a criminal that he put away, Mason (Dean Cain), a hard-nosed detective, deliberately gets arrested for murder in order to get revenge. While inside, Mason discovers a new criminal enterprise that those behind it would kill to protect. Specs have yet to be revealed, but supplements will include three featurettes: "The Making of Vendetta", "A Haunted Location", and "A Big Transformation". You can find the latest specs for 'Vendetta' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 18. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jun 22, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT by: -
Sony Announces Pricing for X900C & X910C 4K Ultra HD TVs, Models Start at $2,499[teaser]The ultra-thin displays will hit stores next month. [/teaser] Sony has finally revealed pricing and availability for its X900C & X910C series Ultra HD TVs. The new models will now join the company's previously released 2015 4K lineup. The X900C and the X910C both feature ultra-thin profiles and nearly frameless designs. The X900C measures just 0.2-inches thin and the X910C is now the thinnest 75-inch television ever made. In addition to their impressive size, the displays also feature Sony's X1 processor engine, the X-Reality PRO Picture Engine for 4K upscaling, and TRILUMINOS technology for wide colors. Finally, the sets include the Android TV platform and offer support for PlayStation Now gaming as well. The 55-inch Edge Lit LED XBR-55X900C ($2,499) and the 65-inch Edge Lit LED XBR-65X900C ($3,999) are now available for pre-order. Both models will start shipping in July. Meanwhile, the 75-inch Edge Lit LED XBR-75X910C ($5,499) will be available later this summer. Source: SonyPosted Mon Jun 22, 2015 at 09:30 AM PDT by: -
Alejandro Monteverde's 'Little Boy' Dated and Detailed for Blu-ray[teaser]The uplifting film will be available on Blu-ray in August. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Universal will be releasing 'Little Boy' on Blu-ray on August 18. Little Boy is a powerful and moving film about a little boy who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring his dad home from World War II alive. The heartwarming story will capture your heart and lift your spirits as it reveals the indescribable love a little boy has for his father and the love a father has for his son. Set in the 1940s, the film captures the wonder of life through the eyes of a 7-year-old little boy. Written directed by Smithsonian Institute Award winning director Alejandro Monteverde, Little Boy highlights themes of faith, hope and love in the face of adversity. Little Boy features an all-star cast/crew including Oscar nominated actors Emily Watson and Tom Wilkinson as well as Ben Chaplin, Michael Rapaport, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Ted Levine, David Henrie, Eduardo Verastegui and newcomer Jakob Salvati. The film is directed by Monteverde from a screenplay by Monteverde and Pepe Portillo. Executive produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett, the film is produced by Eduardo Verastegui, Leo Severino, Alejandro Monteverde, Emilio Azcarraga (Televisa/Univision), Bernardo Gomez (Televisa), Micky O'Hare and Sean Wolfington. The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack will feature 1080p video, lossless 5.1 audio, and supplements will include an animated short, Snack Attack. You can find the latest specs for 'Little Boy' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under August 18. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jun 22, 2015 at 08:00 AM PDT by: -
'The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Eighth Season' Blu-ray Announced[teaser]All 24 hilarious eighth season episodes will be getting the high-definition treatment in September. [/teaser] In an early announcement to retailers, Warner Brothers says 'The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Eighth Season' will arrive on Blu-ray on September 15. The Big Bang Theory — which was already renewed for two additional seasons on CBS — revolves around two genius roommates Leonard Hofstadter and Sheldon Cooper who remain socially challenged, but always produce hilarious results with their friends. With Leonard finally engaged to girl-across-the-hall Penny after countless proposals, the possibilities for happiness seem endless…while the probability for laughs is a foregone conclusion. What’s unknown is how this might impact the ironclad “Roommate Agreement” he’s entered into with Sheldon. Add to this, Sheldon’s uncomfortably close relationship with neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler; Raj’s newfound ability to talk to and date women; and Howard and Bernadette’s solution to an in-house caretaker (their friend Stuart) for the always outspoken Mrs. Wolowitz, and the worlds of science and sitcom are about to hilariously collide! The 2-disc set will feature 1080p video, a 5.1 lossless soundtrack, and supplements include: Shooting Stars: BBT on BBT, 2014 The Big Bang Theory Comic-Con Panel, Constellation Prize, Here's To You...Carol Ann Susi, It's A Quark…It's An Atom…It's the #BBTSuperfans!, and Gag Reel. You can find the latest specs for 'The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Eighth Season' linked from our Blu-ray Release Schedule, where it is indexed under September 15. Order the Blu-rayPosted Mon Jun 22, 2015 at 06:00 AM PDT by:
